Ademola Lookman has hit back at his Atalanta coach and manager Gian Piero Gasperini, accusing him of making “deeply disrespectful” comments following the club Champions League exit.
Lookman made his return from injury as a half-time substitute in Atalanta’s Champions League play-off second leg with Club Brugge. The winger came on when they were 5-1 down on aggregate but took just 36 seconds to pull a goal back.
The winger missed the spot kick, and Gasperini called him “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen” after the game.
Responding to Gasperini’s comments, Lookman released a statement on Wednesday, saying: “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 l’ll continue to do.”
