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Atalanta President Percassi Speaks After Lookman’s Move to Atletico Madrid

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Atalanta President Luca Percassi has reacted to Ademola Lookman’s decision to leave the club and complete a move to Atlético Madrid.

The Nigeria international had made it clear during the summer transfer window that he wanted to leave Atalanta. Inter Milan were believed to be his preferred destination, but the Atalanta management were unwilling to allow the 28-year-old join another Italian club, especially a direct rival.

Before Lookman’s eventual departure, Percassi had publicly insisted that the forward would remain at the club, stressing that there was no intention to sell him at the time.

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“Does Lookman stay until the end of the season? The arrival of Raspadori was a market opportunity that did not presuppose the disposal of another player,” Percassi said.

“We are happy that Giacomo has chosen Atalanta, he is an important player like Ademola, who tonight returns to be the starter. We just want to do well, in short.”

Following Lookman’s move to Spain, Percassi said Atalanta are now satisfied with their squad and are keen to focus fully on football rather than transfer speculation.

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“Football has a short memory, so we must work all the time to ensure the squad is as competitive as possible,” he said.

“I think the transfer window allowed Atalanta to reinforce the team. We signed a player that we were not expecting to get. We’re very happy that Raspadori chose Atalanta.

“Now, fortunately, we can talk only about football and not the transfer market, as many important matches are coming up.”

Percassi also reflected on the club’s long-term journey and the challenges of rebuilding after a successful period.

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“This is our 16th year since my family returned to Atalanta, so we know the journey we have taken, and that this remains a provincial club that must earn every single point,” he said.

“We knew that after nine years, a fantastic era was ending, that it would not be easy to start again, but we put all our energy and financial support into the technical project. We want to keep going with no regrets.”

Atalanta are currently seventh in the Serie A table and sit 19 points behind league leaders Inter Milan.

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Mega news for Max Verstappen as driver shares major racing update

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It has now officially been announced that Max Verstappen is set to race at the 54th edition of the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring, which will take place from 14 to 17 May this year. This will mark his first-ever 24-hour race after the driver already made his endurance racing debut in the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie last year.

Verstappen has long spoken about his dream to compete in endurance racing, specifically the 24-hour event at the Nurburgring. Now, this is all set to become a reality. The 28-year-old has announced he will race for his own Verstappen.com Racing team, driving the Mercedes AMG GT3.

Red Bull Motorsports announced this news with a creative ad featuring Verstappen and professional skydiver Max Manow. The team for the entry has also been confirmed, as Dani Juncadella, Jules Gounon, and Lucas Auer will team up with the 4x F1 world champion.

Last year, Max Verstappen completed 14 laps of the Nurburgring Nordschleife in a Porsche Cayman GT4 as part of the process to obtain the licence required to race on the circuit. Officials deemed his performance sufficient and granted him the DMSB Permit Nordschleife. Soon after receiving the permit, the Dutchman entered the ninth round of the NLS and secured victory in a Verstappen.com Racing Ferrari 296 GT3.

Since then, his endurance racing outfit has swapped partners, as the team now operates a Mercedes AMG GT3. Motorsport fans will have the unique opportunity to witness the Red Bull driver drive a Mercedes in May this year.

Verstappen will also race in the second round of the NLS for preparation, which is scheduled for March 21. This was moved ahead a week to avoid clashing with the F1 Japanese GP, so Verstappen could compete in it.

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Max Verstappen “thrilled” to be making Nurburgring 24 Hours debut

Max Verstappen at the Australian Grand Prix - Source: GettyMax Verstappen at the Australian Grand Prix - Source: Getty
Max Verstappen at the Australian Grand Prix – Source: Getty

Max Verstappen has said that he is “thrilled” to be racing at the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring in 2026. The F1 star explained that this will tick off one of the things on his bucket list, having been there for a long time.

Speaking following the official announcement of the major update, Verstappen shared his excitement about the event. [via Formula1.com]

“The Nurburgring Nordschleife is a special place, there’s no other track like it. The 24h Nurburgring is a race that’s been on my bucket list for a long time, so I’m really thrilled we can make it happen now,” said Verstappen.

“Last year, I was able to get my DMSB Permit Nordschleife and participate in NLS9, that we won. That preparation is very valuable, as we have learned a lot that we can take into our programme this year with NLS2 and the 24-hour race,” he added.

Max Verstappen hence faces a busy schedule, travelling to Germany between the Chinese GP on March 13-15 and the Japanese GP on March 27-29 to compete in NLS2 on March 21. Later in the season, he will go from the Miami GP on May 1-3 to the Nurburgring 24h on May 17-19 before returning to Montreal for the Canadian GP on May 22-24.