Ademola Lookman has responded to criticisms directed at him by his club coach Gian Piero Gasperini after he missed a penalty against Club Brugge on Tuesday.
Lookman scored but missed a second half penalty as Atalanta crashed out of the Champions League playoffs.
Gian Piero Gasperini in a post-match reaction criticized as he labeled him as the worst penalty-taker he has ever seen.
Ademola Lookman put out a statement on his X page in reaction to Gasperini’s comments.
The reigning African Footballer of the Year says he was singied out for the loss despite his scoring on the nightband his previous contribution to the team.
Lookman also added that the designated penalty taker, Charles De Ketelaere asked him to take the penalty.
It saddens me on a day like this to have to write this statement – most of all because of what we have achieved together as a team and as a city.
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 to the
incredible fans of Bergamo.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.Along with our incredible fans, we as a team are hurting too with last night’s result. 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. Life’s about challenges and turning pain into
power which I’ll continue to do.
The 27-year-old led Atalanta to its first European title last summer asnhe scored a hat trick in Atalanta’s 3-0 over Bayer Leverkusen.
Lookman despite a recent injury, is Atalanta’s second top scorer this season behind Mateo Retegui with 15 goals in 27 matches.
