Lookman calls Gasperini’s remarks over the missed penalty “deeply disrespectful”

The striker for Atalanta, Ademola Lookman, called his coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s remarks following Tuesday’s Champions League exit that he was “one of the worst penalty takers” he had ever seen “deeply disrespectful” and sad.

In the second leg of their playoff match, Belgian team Club Brugge shocked Atalanta 3-1. With a 5-2 aggregate victory, they eliminated the Italian team and advanced to the round of 16.

Atalanta had been behind 3-0 when Lookman pulled one back. Gasperini stated Lookman was not supposed to take the penalty after the Nigerian, who has scored 15 goals this season, had a penalty saved as they crashed out.

“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,” Lookman posted to his Instagram account.

“To be honest, I have faced a lot of challenging situations throughout my time here, most of which I have never discussed since I believe that the team must always be prioritized and protected.

“This exacerbates the hurt caused by yesterday night’s events. In addition to our amazing supporters, the outcome from last night is hurting us as a team.

“I accepted responsibility at the moment to take the penalty when the designated penalty taker told me to during the game in order to help the squad. Challenges and transforming suffering into strength are all part of life, and I will keep doing that.”

Lookman has a “terrible record even in training,” according to Gasperini, who also stated that Charles De Ketelaere and Mateo Retegui would have been better choices to attempt the spot kick.

Lookman scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final to help Atalanta defeat Bayer Leverkusen, who had been unbeaten all season, and was the team’s star the previous season.