- Ademola Lookman has responded after Gian Piero Gasperini harshly criticised his penalty miss in Atalanta’s Champions League exit
- The Nigerian winger felt disrespected, stating he had always worked hard to bring success to Atalanta
- Many believe Gasperini’s criticism was unfair, considering Lookman’s significant contributions this season
Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has spoken out following the backlash he faced after missing a crucial penalty in Atalanta’s Champions League exit against Club Brugge.
The Nigerian winger took to social media to express his disappointment over being singled out, describing the criticism from his coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, as “deeply disrespectful.”
Atalanta crashed out of the competition after a 3-1 defeat at home, sealing a 5-2 aggregate loss. Lookman had given the Italian side hope with an early second-half goal but saw his penalty saved by Simon Mignolet, a moment that seemingly shifted the game’s momentum in Brugge’s favour.
Gasperini, in his post-match comments, launched a scathing attack on the Super Eagles forward, branding him “one of the worst penalty-takers I’ve ever seen.”
Lookman addressed his fans in a heartfelt message, stating,
“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 defended his decision to take the penalty, explaining that he was instructed to do so by the designated taker,
“To support the team, I took responsibility in the moment,” he revealed.
The Nigerian international also expressed his frustration at being unfairly targeted, adding,
“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,” he continued.
His comments have sparked an outpouring of support from his Nigerian compatriots and fans across the football world.
Fans have also rallied around Lookman, calling Gasperini’s attack “insanely disrespectful.” Many believe the coach’s words were unwarranted, given Lookman’s overall contributions to the team this season.
The winger, however, remains determined to rise above the criticism, ending his message on a powerful note,
“Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power, which I’ll continue to do.”
Lookman’s strike not enough as Real Madrid edges Atalanta, Ancelotti praises team
Previously, TheRadar reported that Spanish giants Real Madrid reignited their UEFA Champions League campaign hopes with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta, overcoming an early injury to star forward Kylian Mbappé.
Lookman’s creativity nearly earned Atalanta a dramatic equaliser in injury time, but substitute Mateo Retegui squandered the golden opportunity, blasting over from six yards out.
