Ademola Lookman has responded to criticism from Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini following the team’s 5-2 aggregate defeat to Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League.
Gasperini singled out Lookman for taking and missing a penalty in the second leg. The reigning Atalanta Player of the Season and 2024 African Player of the Year came on as a substitute with Atalanta trailing 3-0. He scored just 35 seconds into the second half but missed a crucial penalty in the 61st minute that could have fueled a comeback.
In his post-match press conference, Gasperini criticized Lookman’s decision, stating that he was not the designated penalty taker and had a “terrible record” even in training.
“Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty; he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” Gasperini disclosed in an after-match press conference.
“He has a frankly terrible record; even in training, he converts very few of them. [Mateo] Retegui and [Charles] De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman, in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring, decided to take the ball, and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all.”
In response, Lookman took to social media to express his disappointment with Gasperini’s remarks, calling them disrespectful and hurtful. He reaffirmed his commitment to Atalanta and reflected on the difficult moments he has endured at the club.
“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,” he concluded.
This public rift between Lookman and Gasperini has sparked speculation about a possible summer exit for the Nigerian forward.
Despite the criticism, Lookman has been crucial to Atalanta’s success. He led them to their first-ever European title last May, scoring a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final. This season, he has registered 15 goals and six assists in 28 appearances across all competitions, with Atalanta sitting third in Serie A, five points behind leaders Napoli.
See reactions below;
chekwasmichaels : Some people don’t know how to be good leaders, must you criticize him in public even if he missed a penalty, na to load am shot for head during training, just do like sey na mistake, aim him head with better free kick wey Dey curve😡.
lowrypictures01 : Guy stop crying it was selfish for you to take a pen when the team have a pen taker it’s that simple stop complaining and apologies for missing the pen at a great moment for the team these days you guys get to emotion for a craft you play and you being paid for it.
king_jsg : Ademola…..look man! You. Better leave that place 🚶🏿♂️.
biggfish.xx : Well said bro. Criticism should build, not tear down. You’ve given so much to the team and one penalty doesn’t change that. Keep your head up bro!!!
legendr3lenz : Serie A is never the league for black players. Even players with Italian nationality like Balotelli and one Juventus striker like that suffered it . A lot of the players did rubbish including the captain but the coach singled out lookman like his penalty will make them win.
oh_zealous : He came in and Scored immediately, and was disrespected like that for missing a penalty, Too bad.