Atalanta director Luca Percassi wants the club to never lose its ‘identity’ in Europe and assures they will ‘celebrate every time Rasmus Hojlund scores’ for Manchester United.
The Europa League match with Sporting CP kicks off at the Estadio Alvalade at 17.45 UK time (16.45 GMT).
“We want to thank all the fans who proved their passion for the club once again by travelling and finding the time to accompany us on this extraordinary journey, also for those who are watching from home,” Percassi told Sky Sport Italia.
“The coach has always maintained that and we share it as a club, because these experiences help you to learn and be in these very, very competitive contexts. It is a beautiful stadium with over 50,000 people, a very difficult game, but also a chance for us to do well.”
Atalanta represent a remarkable scouting network who develop talents and see them flourish at the highest levels, the latest of which is Hojlund who has scored three Champions League goals for Manchester United already.
“We are happy for him, Rasmus deserved this opportunity. We had hoped to enjoy him for a bit longer, but we are pleased because we were able to replace him and are happy with those who arrived. When Hojlund scores, then Atalanta celebrate too.”
La Dea have extra reason to celebrate, considering the transfer fee was €75m plus performance-related bonuses.
Hojlund was replaced by Gianluca Scamacca, who is back on the bench this evening in Lisbon after recovering from injury.
“I think he certainly is a good guy, has great quality and is settling in well. Considering his age and role, he has great potential and we are very pleased to have him with Atalanta. He will continue his maturation process with the coach, who has always been very good at helping improve the strikers he worked with.”
Gian Piero Gasperini always tries to calm speculation around Atalanta aiming for silverware or Champions League qualification and Percassi is on the same page.
“I think Atalanta’s strength is knowing how to enjoy our victories and extraordinary moments. European football is something we earned with the hard work of the club, coach and players. We must always remember it is extraordinary.
“Seeing Atalanta here regularly gives us extra responsibility, but we must never lose sight of our dimension, our status and our identity.”