Ademola Lookman’s youth coach, Felix Emanus has revealed he sent an emotional message to the winger before his Europa League final heroics.
Lookman scored a hat-trick as Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 to win the competition in Dublin on Wednesday night.
The Nigeria international has been in fine form since linking up with Atalanta from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig two years ago.
The 26-year-old has now scored 30 goals in 76 matches for La Dea.
“I sent him a text this morning, I sent most of the people a text before every game,” Emanus told TNT Sports.
“It says ‘yo, what a great season – qualification for the Champions League, the Italian Cup final and now the Europa League final.
“’10 goals last year, 8 assists. This will be a season to remember – now to put the icing on the cake. Time to deliver one of those Waterloo performances that you used to believe as a kid where you were unplayable.
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“’Imagination, creativity, aggressive attacking football, calm finishing – you will need all of these attributes to become a winner on the night. Play well my friend. Enjoy. Play the game and not your emotions. God bless, see you later.’”
He added: “I really can’t tell you my emotions – sky high. I’ve been dreaming about this for a long time. We’ve been dreaming about this for a long time, since Ade was a kid at Waterloo.
“He’s a fantastic player and tonight was a dream come true.
“I cried when the third goal went in and I don’t cry. I’m so glad for Ade – he works so hard. He’s a quiet lad, he’s sometimes misunderstood because of his quietness but he’s a great kid.
“He wants to learn, he wants to get better and wants to reach the top.
“He thrives on the big stage, he’s never been frightened of it. Even when we’d take him for trials, I’d be more nervous than him and he’d just be cool and calm and get the job done.
“I’ve been with him since he was nine and he’s always wanted to be a footballer. It’s all he’s ever wanted to do.”
