Former Nigerian forward, Jonathan Akpoborie has blamed the representatives of Ademola Lookman in the player’s strained relationship with his club, Atalanta.
Akpoborie, who featured on Brila FM’s breakfast show ‘No Holds Barred with Ifeanyi Udeze, responded to comments made by Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi, who publicly expressed the desire to welcome the Nigerian back into the team.
“If the President comes out to make that kind of statement, the club clearly needs Lookman,” Akpoborie began.
“Following that story, I won’t want to blame Lookman directly, but he is the one that carries his name and brand as a footballer. I will put the blame on his management.
“I believe they’re not competent enough, because before the transfer window opened, they were meant to have sorted out his issue. They let it drag, thinking he would be able to force himself out of the club. It’s very wrong.”
Akpoborie earned 13 caps for Nigeria and also played in the Bundesliga for several clubs including VfB Stuttgart and Wolfsburg before calling time on his career.
The 56 year-old who retired to football management insists Lookman should be loyal as he is still under contract.
Also read: Jonathan Akpoborie Rues state of Nigerian Football
“Lookman owes Atalanta; that’s the team that made you get to the peak of your career. They pay your salary until you leave. So, you downing tools; refusing to train, is not acceptable. You have to show loyalty until you leave.”
Jonathan Akpoborie criticizes Lookman’s representatives
“The person that is managing you had more than enough time. You’re the reigning African Footballer of the Year.
“You can go to almost any team in Europe and they won’t say no. The management should have done more. I know people in Europe today if I carry Lookman’s name and put it on the table, within two or three weeks he would have secured a big move.
“The boy has to look at his management team and go back to ask them questions about what they can really do for him.
“His agency isn’t doing a good job. If they were, they would have started handling these issues before last season even ended when they saw problems coming.”
