‘Football has a short memory’ - Atalanta President reacts to Lookman’s transfer to Atletico Madrid

The Nigerian international was reportedly eager for a move away from Bergamo during the summer, with fellow Serie A side Inter Milan showing interest. 

However, Atalanta's management was resolute in preventing the forward from joining a direct domestic rival.

He later completed his transfer to Atletico Madrid for a fee worth €40 million and signed a four-and-a-half-year deal.

Speaking after the transfer window closed, Percassi emphasised the club's satisfaction with its current squad and a desire to refocus on on-field matters.

"Football has a short memory, so we must work all the time to ensure the squad is as competitive as possible," Percassi told Sport Mediaset. 

"Now, fortunately, we can talk only about football and not the transfer market, as many important matches are coming up."

The president highlighted the signing of Giacomo Raspadori as a key addition, viewing it as a significant reinforcement for the team.

"I think the transfer window allowed Atalanta to reinforce the team. We signed a player that we were not expecting to get. We’re very happy that Raspadori chose Atalanta," he noted.

Reflecting on the club's long-term vision, Percassi acknowledged the challenges of rebuilding after a successful era under his family's ownership.

"This is our 16th year since my family returned to Atalanta, so we know the journey we have taken, and that this remains a provincial club that must earn every single point," he explained. 

"We knew that after nine years, a fantastic era was ending, that it would not be easy to start again, but we put all our energy and financial support into the technical project. We want to keep going with no regrets."

Atalanta currently sits seventh in the Serie A standings, trailing league leaders Inter Milan by 19 points.