Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has rocked Atalanta by handing in a transfer request accusing the Serie A club of breaking a gentleman’s deal to let him leave once a big-money offer came in.

In a statement issued on his Instagram handle on Sunday, Lookman claimed he had remained loyal to the club despite interest from other teams, but was now forced to speak out after what he described as “months of broken promises” and “poor treatment”.

In his words, he said; “Despite now receiving an offer in alignment with what I believe had been discussed, sadly the club are blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand, i feel that enough is enough. I can confirm I have now handed in a formal transfer request.”

Lookman, who joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig for €15 million in August 2022, has been a key figure in Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad notably starring in the club’s Europa League triumph last season.

The 26-year-old said he had given everything to the club and its fans, stressing that his decision follows a mutual understanding with the club’s hierarchy that this summer would be the right time to move on.

He expressed regret over the manner of the fallout, adding that he still hopes an amicable solution can be reached.

“To the fans; the heartbeat of this club, I want to say I’m truly sorry it’s come to this. I hope you can understand this incredibly difficult situation,” he wrote.