Lookman hits back at Gasperini over penalty criticism

The CAF African Footballer of the Year and Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman, has expressed displeasure after the club’s manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, criticised his penalty-taking abilities following the team’s 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League knockout round play-offs.

The Nigerian international had put his name on the score sheet and had the chance to register a second goal when he was offered a spot kick.

Lookman, however, failed to convert the penalty kick, which would have given his side a fighting chance against a first-leg deficit.

Shortly after the game, Gasperini expressed his dislike for the forward’s decision to take the spot kick.

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

He added that Lookman opted to take the kick despite the club’s designated penalty taker being on the pitch.

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

Reacting, Lookman issued a statement clarifying that it was the designated penalty taker who offered him the chance to take the kick.

He said, “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 I’ll continue to do.”