Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has broken his silence on Gian Piero Gasperini’s harsh criticism following his missed penalty during their 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League, Footynaija.com reports.
Lookman made his return from a knee injury in time to feature for Atalanta in the second leg of their playoff tie against Club Brugge. Gasperini named the Nigerian attacker in his matchday squad but placed him on the bench.
Atalanta, already trailing by three goals on the night, finally called upon Lookman at the start of the second half. He had an instant impact on the match, pulling a goal back for the Nerazzurri.
Atalanta had a chance to score their second goal of the match after the referee awarded them a penalty. Lookman stepped up to take the spot-kick but saw his effort saved by Club Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
After the game, Gasperini openly criticized the Nigerian forward:
“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.”
Lookman has however responded with a statement of his own via social media, labelling his manager’s comments ‘hurtful and disrespectful’.
— Ademola Lookman (@Alookman_) February 19, 2025
“It saddens me on a day like this to have to write a statement like this – most of all because of what we have achieved 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 the responsibility in the moment to do so. Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power which I’ll continue to do.”