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Former Napoli sporting director Pierpaolo Marino has publicly criticized Super Eagles winger and current African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, accusing him of being ungrateful to Atalanta amid ongoing transfer tensions.
Lookman is reportedly frustrated after Atalanta rejected Inter Milan’s recent €45 million offer for him, as the Nigerian star is eager to join the Nerazzurri this summer.
Speaking to RAI 2, Marino defended Atalanta’s decision and urged Lookman to show more respect to the club that helped advance his career, rather than refusing to train and effectively going on strike.
“I know the Percassi family well, especially Antonio. He is a man of his word and has never betrayed it—whether in small or major matters,” Marino said. “Atalanta’s position is clear: Lookman could be sold for over €50 million, but only to a club outside Italy.”
Marino explained that Atalanta’s refusal to sell to Inter is a strategic move to avoid strengthening a direct Serie A rival.
“The objective is obvious: not to strengthen a competitor,” he said. “Lookman’s behavior reflects a common pattern we see with foreign players developed and valued in Italy, only to later act with complete ingratitude.”
He compared this to Moise Kean’s respectful approach toward Fiorentina and suggested that Napoli, still searching for a wide forward after missing out on Dan Ndoye, could potentially become involved in the Lookman transfer saga.
“Napoli might be able to reconcile all three parties and find a solution that leaves no one defeated,” Marino added. “But as it stands, Lookman’s conduct is creating unnecessary problems for Atalanta.”
Marino concluded by emphasizing the need for clubs and players to review contract terms to prevent similar disputes in the future.
