Ademola Lookman influenced Rowe’s decision to join Atalanta after the two players met while on holiday, with the Nigeria international speaking positively about his experience at the Serie A club.
Jonathan Rowe, who joined Atalanta from Bologna, revealed that his private conversation with Lookman helped convince him that a move to Bergamo was the right choice.
Rowe reveals Lookman’s Atalanta influence
Rowe completed his move to Atalanta after several weeks of negotiations. The 23-year-old English winger joined initially on loan, with the agreement including an option and a conditional obligation to buy.
Atalanta confirmed the deal on September 1, with Rowe taking the No. 11 shirt previously worn by Lookman.
During his presentation on Thursday, Rowe explained that his meeting with the Nigerian forward happened during a summer holiday. Their conversation gave him a personal insight into life at Atalanta.
“I saw him on vacation, and he spoke highly of Atalanta. This motivated me to choose Atalanta as my destination,” Rowe said, according to TMW.
Rowe wants to create his own identity
Although Lookman’s success at Atalanta naturally led to comparisons between the two wingers, Rowe insisted that he wants to establish himself rather than attempt to replicate the Nigerian’s career.
The new Atalanta signing praised Lookman but stressed that they have different qualities on the pitch.
“Lookman is a great player,” Rowe said. “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.”
That distinction could become important as Rowe begins his own chapter in Bergamo. While Lookman left a strong legacy at the club, Rowe will now have the opportunity to build a reputation of his own.
Lookman’s successful Atalanta spell
Lookman joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig in August 2022 and quickly became an important attacking player for the Italian club.
His biggest achievement came in the 2024 Europa League final, when he scored a hat-trick as Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen to lift the trophy.
The Nigerian spent three and a half seasons in Bergamo before completing a permanent move to Atlético Madrid in February.
However, his relationship with Atalanta became strained towards the end of his time at the club, particularly after he was denied a move to Paris Saint-Germain last summer.
Conclusion
Lookman influenced Rowe’s decision to join Atalanta by offering the English winger a positive personal account of life in Bergamo.
While Rowe has made it clear that he does not intend to copy Lookman, the Nigerian’s successful spell at the club has provided a useful reference point for the new signing.
Now, Rowe will have the chance to create his own story at Atalanta and show whether he can make a similar impact in Serie A.
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