Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman has responded to Atalanta FC coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s claim that he is the “worst penalty taker” he has ever seen after missing a penalty in the UEFA Champions League against Club Brugge on Tuesday night.
Atalanta lost 1-3 to bow out of the Champions League after a 2-5 aggregate scoreline. Lookman scored the Italians’ only goal seconds after being substituted in the 46th minute, but he missed a penalty in the 60th minute.
Angered by Looman’s penalty miss, Gasperini, said, “Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty-takers I’ve ever seen. He wanted to take the penalty after scoring a goal, but he took the ball despite Retegui and De Keteleare being available to take it… I didn’t like what Lookman did.”
Responding to his coach’s harsh statement, the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year winner stated on social media that Gasperini’s utterance is disrespectful.
“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.”
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