Ademola Lookman could hardly have asked for a better start to life at Atletico Madrid. The Super Eagles forward scored and assisted on his debut as Diego Simeone’s side swept aside Real Betis 5-0, with the Nigerian marking the occasion by netting the 100th goal of his professional career.
From Lookman himself to manager Diego Simeone and teammate Antoine Griezmann, the reaction to his first appearance in red and white was overwhelmingly positive.
Ademola Lookman scores on his Atletico Madrid debut! ?pic.twitter.com/xgcBaaL5y4
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Ademola Lookman: “It’s a dream start”
Speaking after the match, Ademola Lookman made it clear just how much the reception at Atletico Madrid has meant to him.
“I’m very, very happy, it’s been great coming here, being welcomed by the team and the staff, everyone’s been great with me, so it’s a dream start.”
The Nigerian forward also explained his approach on the pitch and the mindset behind his performance.
“Obviously, I just try to make the runs, try to be dangerous in the one-v-one situations and moments where I feel there’s something, so it’s just about repetition, to keep doing the same moments and try to be dangerous.”
Lookman stressed that happiness at his new club is directly tied to his motivation to improve.
“I’m very happy to be at a special club, and that happiness, the feeling, makes me want to work hard, makes me want to perform.”
“That’s what I have to keep doing. Keep working hard, keep staying dedicated, keep on trying to be consistent every single day, and that’s the most important thing.”
Looking ahead to facing Real Betis again in LaLiga, Lookman highlighted the importance of balance.
“We’ll try to do the same thing because we created a lot of chances today, so we’ll try to hurt them in those moments, but we’ll also stay strong without the ball.”
“We were very solid defensively, and we have to keep it going.”
Diego Simeone: “He doesn’t need an adaptation time”
Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone was full of praise for Lookman’s immediate impact, highlighting qualities that set him apart within the squad.
“Lookman is different from all the players we have, especially in one-on-one situations, but he also has associative play.”
Simeone also pointed to the Nigerian’s versatility and how it benefits the team.
“His profile allows us to use him in different positions, and his impact on the team was very good.”
“He felt comfortable, and hopefully we can help him become an even better footballer, just as he can help us grow as a team.”
The Atletico boss dismissed the idea that Lookman would need time to settle.
“He doesn’t need an adaptation time. He’s a big lad, he’s already 28 years old.”
“He came to help us, and we hope to help him too so that he can continue to grow. He has different qualities than the players we have, and he will make us better.”
Milestone moment ???
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Ademola Lookman scored career goal No. 100 on his Atletico Madrid debut ? pic.twitter.com/nLHy2pWwOp
Antoine Griezmann: ‘New players bring us joy’
Teammate Antoine Griezmann, who benefited from Lookman’s assist, also welcomed the Nigerian’s arrival and praised the club’s atmosphere.
“We’re a team, a dressing room, a club, and a very welcoming fanbase.”
“Everyone who arrives is welcomed from the very first second, and we see that with the new arrivals. Let’s enjoy the new players and hope they bring us joy like tonight.”
