After rediscovering his form with Atalanta in the Serie A, Super Eagles striker, Ademola Lookman has admitted that not cutting corners has helped him get back to scoring form with his Italian club.
Despite being his debut season in the Serie A, the former Everton graduate has found his niche with Atalanta and netting more goals than in the last four experiences with Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham and Leicester City put together.
After scoring the second goal in Atalanta’s 2-0 home win over Sampdoria, the Nigerian netted his 12th Serie A goal in 19 games for Atalanta; his 14th in 20 matches including the Coppa Italia.
However, Lookman told The Times that he has learnt to do things right and this has aided his present form.
“After games, I’ll do recovery, maybe going into the cryo-chamber, doing some upper body [work], some stretching. As long as I’m doing everything I can in my power, and not cutting corners, the rest is up to God. Faith gives me that extra bit of hope and confidence.”
“My routine is a lot different to what it was. Everything’s focused on helping me perform. I watch interviews with people who are doing well in life like Jay-Z, someone at the top of the world who I can learn from. Jay-Z has come from basically nothing and is now a billionaire. That takes more than desire and guts; it takes execution and a plan, direction and confidence.
“I’ve started eating a lot of plain foods like white pasta, like more fish. That’s my diet. No sauce. Some vegetables. Sleep’s very important, trying to get in eight hours.
He described the support from the Atalanta fans as inspirational: “They’re an inspiration, definitely. They love the club. During a game, I don’t ever hear them stop singing. Ever. Throughout the whole 95, 96 minutes, I always hear them. They are behind me and that gives me that extra energy as well.”
He described Coach Gasperini as a world-class tactician: “I understand what he says when he talks slowly but when he’s talking very fast it’s hard for me. But I’m picking up Italian pretty good.
“(Gasperini) is intense, a strong man, a top coach. He always wants us to attack, he loves seeing goals. But there’s a structure: he wants us to build through the thirds,” he added.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
