Jonathan Rowe has revealed that Ademola Lookman influenced his decision to join Atalanta after they met while on holiday, SuperEaglesNG reports. Rowe has taken the No. 11 shirt worn by the Super Eagles forward.
The 23-year-old winger joined Atalanta from Bologna on an initial loan deal with an option and a conditional obligation to buy. The Italian club confirmed the transfer on September 1.
Rowe said his conversation with Lookman gave him a positive impression of the club. According to TMW, he said: “I think Lookman is a great player. I saw him on vacation, and he spoke highly of Atalanta. This motivated me to choose Atalanta as my destination.”
The meeting came during several weeks of negotiations between Atalanta and Bologna. Rowe thanked club officials Luca Percassi and Giuntoli for completing the transfer.
Lookman joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig in August 2022 and spent three and a half seasons with the club. He helped Atalanta win the 2024 Europa League after scoring a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the final.
Rowe will now wear the shirt number Lookman used during his spell in Bergamo. However, the Englishman has rejected comparisons between the two players.
“He has his qualities on the pitch, and I have mine. We’re different, but I hope to use my skills to help Atalanta achieve our goals,” Rowe said.
Rowe also spoke about his feelings after completing the transfer. “I’m very happy to start with Atalanta. It’s been a long journey over the past few weeks, but we’ve finally reached this goal,” he said.
He added: “I hope to do great things here in Bergamo.” The former Bologna winger will now begin his first season with Atalanta wearing the No. 11 shirt.
Lookman has since continued his career at Atlético Madrid, while Rowe starts a new chapter in Bergamo after receiving the Nigerian’s recommendation during their holiday meeting.
