Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman attributed his development as a player to his experience with the Nigerian national team after leading La Dea to their first trophy in 61 years.

Lookman scored all three goals in a decisive 3-0 victory over Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final on Wednesday night.

“It’s incredible [to play for Nigeria]. The support and the love I get back home from the people is unbelievable,” he told the UEFA official website.

“It gives me the motivation to evolve in different areas – as a person, not just in my game.”

Europa League success marked a significant turnaround for Lookman, who narrowly lost the Coppa Italia final with his Club to Juventus 1-0 just a week ago.

Additionally, Lookman had lost the Africa Cup of Nations final with Nigeria to Cote d’Ivoire.

The 26-year-old made history by becoming the first player to score three goals in a Europa League final and the first African to achieve a hat trick in a European football final.

The former Leicester City and Fulham forward has 20 goals for Club and country this season.