Ademola Lookman has revealed how familiarity and a welcoming dressing room helped him settle quickly at Atlético Madrid following his move in the January transfer window.
The Nigeria international has made an immediate impact since arriving from Atalanta BC, contributing five goals and four assists in 14 appearances for the La Liga side.
Lookman’s strong start has underlined both his quality and his ability to adapt quickly to a new environment — something he admits is rarely straightforward.
“Coming into a new environment, a new group is never easy,” he said. “But being able to settle in well is credit to the people there, the staff and the players, because they welcomed me in and made me feel so comfortable.”
The forward pointed to existing relationships as a key factor in easing his transition, highlighting the role played by former Atalanta teammates Juan Musso and Matteo Ruggeri.
“I was teammates with Juan Musso and Matteo Ruggeri before,” Lookman explained. “Once you join a new team, you tend to stay close to the players you already know, and that was the case for me at the beginning.”
He added that those early connections helped him gradually integrate into the wider squad, building relationships across the team over time.
“The connection I have with my teammates on and off the pitch helps a lot,” he said.
Lookman’s performances suggest that the transition has not only been smooth but also productive, with his attacking contributions quickly making him an important option in Atlético’s forward line.
His ability to combine pace, direct running and end product has added a new dimension to the team, while his growing understanding with teammates has translated into consistent output on the pitch.
As Atlético continue their campaign, Lookman’s early success points to a player who has found his footing quickly — helped in no small part by familiar faces and a supportive environment.
