Ademola Lookman’s childhood coach nearly broke down in tears speaking to TNT Sports on Wednesday night, overwhelmed with pride after the Nigerian international led Atalanta to a remarkable Europa League victory. ..Read Full Article
Lookman was the standout performer, ending Bayer Leverkusen’s extraordinary unbeaten streak just two games before the season’s end. The former Everton forward dazzled with a hat-trick, securing Atalanta’s triumph.
His first goal came from inside the box, where he outmaneuvered a defender to latch onto a cross and fire Atalanta into a 1-0 lead. The second was a perfectly placed shot from the edge of the box, showcasing his precision. Lookman completed his hat-trick with a powerful strike from the left side of the box, finding the top-right corner and capping off a stellar performance.
After the match, an emotional Felix, Lookman’s boyhood coach, was invited onto TNT Sports to discuss his former pupil. Clearly moved, Felix admitted he had always dreamt of such nights for Lookman, expressing his pride and joy in a heartfelt interview.
“I send him a text before every game,’ Felix told TNT in an interview in which he seemed only just able to hold back tears.
“[This one] said: “What a great season, qualification for Champions League, the Italian Cup final and now the Europa League final. Time to put the icing on the cake and time to deliver one of those Waterloo-type performances.
“You used to believe as a kid where you were, unplayable, imagination, creativity, aggressive attacking football and calm finishing – you will need all these attributes to become a winner on the night. Play well my friend and enjoy. Play the game and not your emotions. God bless and I will see you later!”
“I can’t tell you my emotions,” he added. “Sky high, I’ve been dreaming about this for a long time since he was a kid at Waterloo. I’d just like to say a few words to a couple of the coaches at Waterloo, all the people that have worked with Ademola to try and get him where he is.
“I cried when the third goal went in and I don’t cry! People are probably watching this now and going “you big sissy!”
He continued, “I’m so glad for Ade,’ his former coach continued. ‘He works so hard, he’s a quiet lad – sometimes he’s misunderstood for his quietness – but he’s a great kid, wants to learn, wants to always get better and reach the top.
“To be honest with you, he thrives on the big stage, he loves it and he’s never been frightened of it. When we used to take him for trials, I would be more nervous than him, he would be calm and cool and get the job done.
“Such a wonderful kid. I’ve been with him since he was nine at Waterloo, and he always wanted to be a footballer, that’s the only thing he ever wanted to do. I’d like to make a shoutout to Ade’s father who was a big influence, played a big part to get Ade to where he is.”
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