Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has responded strongly to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s decision to single him out for criticism for his penalty-taking ability, calling the remarks “deeply disrespectful.”
Lookman missed a crucial penalty during Atalanta’s 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League on Tuesday, which resulted in a 5-2 aggregate exit for the Italian club.
Despite scoring Atalanta’s only goal of the night, the Nigerian winger was singled out by Gasperini, who claimed he should not have taken the spot-kick.
In response, Lookman expressed disappointment in a post on social media, saying it was not fair the 67-year-old pointed a finger at him and sought to suggest that the penalty was offered to him.
“It saddens me on a day like this to have a to write this statement — most of all because of what we have achieved together as a team and as a city,” the forward 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.
“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.”
Lookman, who has 15 goals across 28 games this season, has been the subject of transfer interest for many European giants and could be on the move in the summer.
