Ademola Lookman fires back at Gasperini over ‘disrespectful’ comments

Nigerian striker, Ademola Lookman, has responded to criticism from his manager Gian Piero Gasperini, accusing the Atalanta coach of making “disrespectful” comments following their Champions League exit.

Lookman, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, made his return from injury as a half-time substitute in Atalanta’s Champions League play-off second leg against Club Brugge. The 27-year-old winger was introduced when Atalanta trailed 5-1 on aggregate and made an immediate impact, scoring just 36 seconds after coming on.

Atalanta were later awarded a penalty, and Lookman stepped up to take the spot kick, appearing to take the ball away from designated penalty takers Charles De Ketelaere and Mateo Retegui. However, his effort was saved, and after the match, Gasperini criticized his decision.

Gasperini’s Criticism

In his post-match comments, Gasperini did not hold back:

“Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” he said bluntly.

He further explained that Lookman was not meant to take the penalty:

“He wanted to take the penalty after scoring a goal. He took the ball despite Retegui and De Ketelaere being available to take it… I didn’t like what Lookman did.”

Lookman’s Response

Following Gasperini’s remarks, Lookman released a statement on Wednesday, expressing his disappointment over the manager’s comments.

“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.

“Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurt 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.”

The Nigerian international also revealed that he was instructed to take the penalty by the designated taker on the pitch.

“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 I’ll continue to do.”