Atalanta were unlucky to end their UEFA Europa League journey in the quarter-finals, with German side Leipzig going through. There is disappointment, but not only that, as CEO Luca Percassi said: “We’re sad but also proud”.

CEO Luca Percassi, let’s start from the end, from that great applause, that great hug that the fans dedicated to the team, to Atalanta.

“Yes. They greeted the team in an amazing way that reflects Atalanta’s spirit, the [spirit] of the fans from Bergamo”.

Everyone’s disappointed with the result, obviously.

“Yes, it’s natural when there’s an opportunity to reach the semifinals of a European competition and then be able to play for it. We exit and it’s a pity. It’s sad but we’re fairly proud of what has been done and of what we’re doing now. It’s been another important year for Atalanta, anyway. It’s ok. It’s the feeling of sadness that we’ve already experienced in some finals when we exited the Champions League. It’s a part of the sport”.

Let’s roll the tape and get back to the start. Antonio Percassi and Stephen Pagliuca were here to greet the people of Bergamo.

“Yes, we made the decision to collaborate with the Pagliuca family, preserving the spirit of the Bergamaschi, because we care a lot and are very responsible for the present, past and future of Atalanta. Of course, during this path of [the Club’s] growth, we’re proud to have this important sport family who will support us to help the Club grow, taking into account that Atalanta must always remain Atalanta, keeping our criteria and the management model, and keeping on working”.

These are your goals, aren’t they? To maintain Atalanta’s style. But, of course, there are projects for the future.

“Yes. As in everything else. We come from a land of great builders. In the end, houses are built piece by piece every day. We’ve built a very important “house”. And we must “maintain” it in the best possible way each day, taking into account that we must never change who we are. Atalanta possess such features as sustainability, who are taking a step that the Club is capable of doing. We’ve reached extraordinary achievements over the past years. When I wake up every morning on a day like today, when I go to the stadium, I recall everything we’ve achieved. The possibility to experience days like that can’t be taken for granted, as there’s hard work behind it all, all the things that allowed us to make it. But we shouldn’t be disappointed if something similar lacked in the future because Atalanta are Atalanta. So, we’ll keep on working. Obviously, each year is different. The situation is different. There are injuries and suspensions. The league changes and seasons change. I would want Atalanta to have other seasons like this one for the rest of the years of its history”.