Ademola Lookman etched himself into Atalanta folklore with a Europa League final hat-trick that he says didn’t catch him by surprise – although boss Gian Piero Gasperini admitted nobody could have expected his progress.
The London-born Nigeria winger became only the sixth player to score a hat-trick in a European final - the first since Jupp Heynckes for Borussia Monchengladbach in the 1975 Uefa Cup - with all three goals inLookman, 26, had never managed double figures in a season for Charlton, Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham or Leicester.
"Nobody could ever imagine he'd could make this much progress. He wasn't overly prolific in England. I changed his position to a more attacking role. "Maybe it could have come earlier but it's come now. I'm pleased with the progress I've made but this is just the beginning. I hope for more nights like this."Immediately after the final whistle Lookman told TNT Sports "it's one of the best nights of my life". Perhaps understated.Lookman joined Gasperini's post-match news conference midway through and after the manager had left he spoke about the role he has had in his career.
Lookman's mentor and coach of former youth side Waterloo, Felix Emanus, also spoke to TNT Sports after the game. "I am hugely proud for all of Italy because it was a cursed trophy," said the 66-year-old, who took charge of the club in 2016. "Having won it with Atalanta is perhaps one of those footballing fairytales that rarely crop up.
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