Nigerian international forward Ademola Lookman has released a statement after his manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, criticized him as "one of the worst penalty takers."
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Atalanta was eliminated from the Champions League knockout playoffs by Club Brugge on Tuesday night, losing 4-1 on aggregate. They fell behind 3-0 in the first half, but substitute Lookman managed to score a goal just a minute into the second half. Atalanta was then given a golden opportunity to reduce their deficit further by being awarded a penalty.
However, the Nigeria international's spot kick was saved by Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, with the match ending 3-1.
After the game, Gasperini said,
"Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I've ever seen. "He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them. (Mateo) Retegui and (Charles) De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all."
Lookman has responded to the criticism directed at him in a statement posted to his social media accounts.
"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.
Before the disappointing penalty on Tuesday night, he had scored all four spot kicks taken for Atalanta.
"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."
Despite their disappointment in the Champions League, Atalanta still has much to fight for in domestic competitions. They currently sit third in the Serie A table, five points behind league leader Napoli.
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