Ademola Lookman has expressed disappointment after being singled out for criticism by Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini following the club’s Champions League elimination at the hands of Club Brugge.
The Nigerian forward, who had earlier scored Atalanta’s only goal in the match, missed a crucial penalty in their 3-1 defeat in the knockout round play-offs. His miss proved costly, extinguishing any hopes of a comeback for the Italian side.
Gasperini did not hold back in his post-match remarks on Tuesday, directing strong criticism at the player.
“Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” the Atalanta coach stated bluntly.
Lookman, in response, issued a statement expressing his disappointment at being publicly singled out.
“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,” he wrote.
“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.”
The 26-year-old winger also revealed that the designated penalty taker had instructed him to take the spot-kick, and he accepted the responsibility for the team.
“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.”
Despite the setback, Lookman remains determined to push forward.
“Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power, which I’ll continue to do,” he added.
