Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has responded to manager Gian Piero Gasperini’s public criticism, calling it deeply disrespectful following his missed penalty in the club’s 3-1 UEFA Champions League defeat to Club Brugge on Tuesday, February 18.
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Lookman faced heavy criticism from Gasperini, who labelled him as the “worst penalty taker” after the match. However, in a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, February 19, the Nigerian international expressed disappointment over being singled out by the Italian manager.
“Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful, not least because of the immense hard work and commitment I have always put in each and every day to help bring success to this club and the incredible fans of Bergamo,” Lookman said.
The forward also clarified that he had not acted against team instructions by taking the penalty, stating that the club’s designated penalty taker had asked him to step up.
“During the match, the designated penalty taker instructed me to take the penalty; and to support the team, I took responsibility in the moment to do so,” he explained.
Lookman, who played a key role in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph last May, admitted that he had endured difficult moments at the club but had always put the team first.
“In truth, I have dealt with many difficult moments during my time here—the majority of which I have never spoken about because, in my opinion, the team must always be protected and must come first. This makes what happened last night even more hurtful,” he added.
