Atalanta and Nigeria star Ademola Lookman has reacted to being the only African footballer among the 30 nominees for the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
The 26-year-old recorded a memorable 2023/24 campaign, a season that saw him garner 17 goals and 10 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions.
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He also helped Atalanta to a fourth-place finish on the Serie A table.
In Europe, the Nigerian scored a hat-trick in last season's UEFA Europa League final to lead his side to a 3-0 victory over Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen and the first piece of continental silverware in Atalanta's history.
Now, with the player being nominated for the prestigious individual award, which will be handed out in Paris on 28 October, he has revealed what his thoughts were when he first found out.
"When I saw my name among the 30 candidates for the Ballon d'Or, I said to myself that it was crazy," the attacker told France Football, per TUTTO mercato WEB.
"It's crazy. And being the only African on the list is even more special.
"I'm proud of it. It's an honour, knowing where I come from."
Having had the choice of either representing England or Nigeria at senior international level, the winger also spoke about why he chose to represent the latter and what it means to him.
"I have learned to understand it over time," Lookman added.
"Even though I played for England in the youth teams, winning the U20 World Cup in 2017, I decided with all my heart to play for the Super Eagles because I have a close and personal connection with this country."
With his side competing in the UEFA Champions League this season, Lookman will be hoping to replicate, and perhaps surpass, the figures he put up last season.
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Thus far in this latest campaign, the Super Eagles star has managed to bag three goals and three assists in seven appearances across all competitions.