Lookman hits back at ‘disrespectful’ Gasperini

Nigeria forward, Ademola Lookman has hit back at Gian Piero Gasperini, his coach at Serie A side, Atalanta for singling him out for his penalty miss in Atalanta’s 3-1 Champions League loss to Club Brugge.

The loss also meant the Bergamo based side are out of the competition.

Gasperini was not happy the Nigerian took the penalty kick after he had scored his club’s first goal after going 3-0 down.

He blamed him for taking the penalty and indirectly causing Atalanta to exit the competition.

‘Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen. He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them.

‘Retegui and 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,’ said Gasperini.

The Nigerian however responded in equal measure.

‘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 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 the responsibility in the moment to do so.

‘Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power, which I’ll continue to do,’ Lookman wrote on his X handle.