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Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has responded to manager Gian Piero Gasperini’s public criticism of a missed penalty, calling it “deeply disrespectful.”
Lookman missed a penalty kick in Atalanta’s 3-1 UEFA Champions League defeat to Club Brugge on Tuesday.
Gasperini called him the “worst penalty taker.”
However, in a sharply worded tweet on Wednesday, the Nigerian international expressed his disappointment at being singled out for criticism by the Italian boss.
“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 every day to help bring success to this club and the incredible fans of Bergamo,” Lookman said.
The forward explained that he had not defied team orders by taking the penalty, stating that the club’s authorised penalty taker had instructed him to do so.
“During the match, the designated penalty taker instructed me to take the penalty and to support the team; I took responsibility at the moment to do so,” he explained.
Lookman, who helped the Bergamo club win the Europa League last May, admitted that he had faced many challenges at the club but had always prioritised the team’s success over personal concerns.
He continued, “In truth, I have dealt with many difficult moments during my time here—the majority of which I have never discussed because, in my opinion, the team must always be protected and come first. This makes what happened last night even more hurtful.”
