Lookman Replies Gasperini For Criticism After Penalty Miss

Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman has responded to manager Gian Piero Gasperini’s remarks following the club’s Champions League elimination on Tuesday, calling them “deeply disrespectful.”

Lookman, who had recently returned from injury, was brought on as a substitute at halftime in the Champions League play-off second leg against Club Brugge, with the team trailing 5-1 on aggregate. He scored just 36 seconds after coming on.

However, the key moment in the match occurred an hour in when Atalanta was awarded a penalty. Lookman took the ball from first-choice penalty takers Charles De Ketelaere and Mateo Retegui, but missed the spot kick. Gasperini criticized him for this decision after the game.

“Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty; he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” Gasperini said after the 5-2 aggregate defeat. “He has a terrible record even in training, converting very few. Retegui and De Ketelaere were available, but Lookman, in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring, decided to take the ball, and I didn’t appreciate that gesture at all.”

In a statement released on Wednesday, Lookman responded: “It saddens me to have to write this statement, especially given all we’ve achieved as a team and as a city. Being singled out in this way not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful, especially considering the hard work and commitment I put in every day to help bring success to this club and our amazing fans in Bergamo.”

Lookman continued: “I’ve dealt with many difficult moments during my time here, most of which I’ve never spoken about because I believe the team must always come first. This makes what happened last night even more painful. Along with our incredible fans, we as a team are also hurting from the result.”

Regarding the penalty situation, Lookman explained: “During the match, the designated penalty taker instructed me to take it, and to support the team, I took responsibility in that moment. Life is about challenges, and turning pain into power, which I’ll continue to do.”

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