TURIN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 27: Kamaldeen Sulemana of Atalanta BC is in possession of the ball while being challenged by Federico Gatti of Juventus during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and Atalanta BC at Allianz Stadium on September 27, 2025. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Kamaldeen Sulemana expresses his gratitude for the chance to play for Atalanta and acknowledges that Ivan Juric is the ideal coach for him, stating, “I strongly believe in hard work and the importance of never giving up.”
At the age of 23, Sulemana made a permanent move to Atalanta from Southampton last summer after the English team faced relegation from the Premier League.
Juric, who previously coached Southampton, was instrumental in bringing the Ghana international to Bergamo. This season, Sulemana has already netted two goals and provided one assist across six Serie A matches.
Sulemana Surprised by Strong Start at Atalanta
“I didn’t anticipate starting off so strongly. My goal was to demonstrate my worth, particularly to Atalanta,” said the Ghanaian international in an interview with Gazzetta.
“I’m thankful for the chance to represent this incredible club, and I’m fond of the city of Bergamo. I enjoy being part of this team, where there’s a positive vibe every day. But now that I’m on their radar, I need to keep innovating!”
“Juric is the perfect coach for me from both tactical and technical perspectives. He showed faith in me right from my arrival at Southampton.”
“He acts as a mentor, guiding me to find the right positions on the pitch for both attacking and defending. He’s my teacher, and I’m eager to learn and develop.”
Sulemana Grateful for Atalanta After Leaving Southampton
“I’m thankful for this opportunity and for being selected to be part of this club,” Sulemana added.
“This motivates me to give my all to help the team achieve the highest standings possible.”
In just a few months, Sulemana has transitioned from Premier League relegation to competing in the Champions League with La Dea.
“I firmly believe in consistent daily effort and the principle of never backing down,” he stated.
“Serie A is a premier league that demands high levels of tactical awareness, requiring focus for the entire match. The Premier League has particularly helped shape my physicality; it’s an incredibly intense league.”
Sulemana chooses to feature his first name, Kamaldeen, on the back of his shirt instead of his last name. He explained: “It was my decision. In our culture, calling out ‘Sulemana’ would refer to my father if we were together at a table. It’s a matter of respect.”
“My name is Kamaldeen. In my family, there are six of us: I have two brothers and three sisters, making me the third child. I left home at 11 to join an academy, which meant being away from my family for a long time, but I maintain a great relationship with my siblings. My family has a rich football tradition; my older brother, Abdul Rauf, plays in the Ghana Premier League with Vision FC, while my younger brother, Hakim, competes in the Danish second division with Hillerød.”
Sulemana, one of the numerous Serie A goalscorers during October’s international break, has signed a contract with Atalanta that extends until 2029, with an option for an additional year.