Ademola Lookman has expressed his disappointment and frustration after being publicly criticized by Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini following the club’s Champions League elimination on Tuesday.
The Serie A side suffered a devastating 3-1 home defeat to Club Brugge, sealing a 5-2 aggregate loss and ending their European campaign prematurely. Lookman, who came on as a half-time substitute, saw his penalty attempt saved midway through the second half—an event that triggered sharp remarks from Gasperini, who labeled him “one of the worst penalty takers.”
Ademola Lookman took to social media to share his feelings, describing Gasperini’s comments as “deeply disrespectful” and admitting he felt unfairly singled out. The Nigerian international, who has played a crucial role for Atalanta since joining in 2022, emphasized his commitment to the club and the fans.
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“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,” Lookman wrote on Instagram and X. “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.”
The former Charlton and Everton forward also revealed that the designated penalty taker had asked him to take the spot-kick, and he accepted the responsibility in the moment. Despite the miss, Lookman remains determined to move forward.
“Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power, which I’ll continue to do,” he added.
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Lookman has been a key player for Atalanta, scoring 47 goals in 106 appearances since his arrival. His hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen last season secured Atalanta’s first-ever European trophy, cementing his importance to the club.
