ADEMOLA Lookman has attributed his upturn in form to a few changes in his lifestyle, including where he gets his motivation and the food he eats.
The Nigeria international has scored five league goals this January for Atalanta, taking his Serie A tally for the season so far to 12, just one short of the numbers his fellow Nigerian Victor Osimhen has produced for Napoli.
Lookman was again on target last night as Atalanta defeated Sampdoria 2-0, and he revealed the secret of his recent success to The Times.
He cites learning from the story of American rapper and businessman Jay-Z and a change of his eating habits as helpful changes he has made.
“My routine is a lot different to what it was,” the London-born Super Eagles forward told the English outlet.
“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.
“After games, I’ll do recovery, maybe going into the cryochamber, 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.”
Lookman also gets a lift from the enthusiasm of the Atalanta fans, who are glad to be back in the stadium after Bergamo was hit harder than anywhere else in Italy by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“They’re an inspiration, definitely,” the 25-year-old adds. “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.”
Lookman explained that growing up in London with Nigerian parents and with not many pitches to practice on was not easy, but he found a way to still play his football as a youngster.
“I’ve always had confidence. Just from a kid, I remember playing football and feeling, ‘yes, I can really do this’. I’ve never changed from that, from six, seven, the fire has never changed,” he said.
“If someone’s coming in hard, you’re landing on concrete so I came out the cage with grazes on my knees, grazing on my elbows, you may even hit your head on the ground.”
Lookman joined Atalanta last summer from RB Leipzig for €9m.
