Ademola Lookman has voiced his frustration after Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini publicly criticized him for missing a penalty during their 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League play-off. The loss saw the Serie A side eliminated from the competition with a 5-2 aggregate score.
Despite scoring Atalanta’s only goal of the match, Lookman became the subject of post-game controversy when Gasperini openly questioned his decision to take the penalty.
The Nigerian winger, who stepped up in a crucial moment, saw his effort denied, and his manager didn’t hold back in his assessment.
In response, Lookman took to social media to express his disappointment. “It saddens me to have to write this statement, especially after everything we’ve achieved together as a team and as a city,” he shared on X. “Being singled out in this manner not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful.”
The 27-year-old emphasized his commitment to the club and the challenges he has faced during his time at Atalanta. “I’ve endured many difficult moments here, most of which I’ve never spoken about because I believe the team should always come first,” he wrote. “Last night’s events made it even more painful.”
Lookman also clarified that he wasn’t initially supposed to take the penalty but was instructed to do so by the designated taker. “To support the team, I took responsibility in the moment,” he explained.
Determined to move forward, Lookman concluded, “Life is about challenges and turning pain into power, which I will continue to do.”
With Atalanta now out of the Champions League, the focus shifts to domestic competitions, where Lookman will aim to put this controversy behind him and continue delivering for the club.