Ademola Lookman reacts to Gian Piero Gasperini statement

Super Eagles’ forward player Ademola Lookman has responded to the criticism he got from his head coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, after the exit of Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League.

There have been divided opinions around the football world as it concerns the statement that was made to Ademola Lookman by Gian Piero Gasperini. However, the best player on the continent of Africa has expressed his disappointment in the way that Gasperini put him under the bus during his post-match press conference.

Piero Gasperini tagged Ademola Lookman as the worst penalty-taker in the world after he missed one in the UEFA Champions League. He said it was not the responsibility of Nigeria to take the penalties for the club because they had two designated penalty takers on the pitch at the time of taking the kick.

What happened between Gian Piero Gasperini and Ademola Lookman

He expressed his displeasure, stating that it was not the responsibility of Lookman to take penalties because the team had its designated penalty taker.

“Lookman wasn’t supposed to take the penalty. He’s one of the worst penalty-takers I’ve ever seen. Even in training, he has a very low percentage. He kicks them really badly. He wanted to take the penalty after scoring a goal. He took the ball despite [Mateo] Retegui and [Charles] De Keteleare available to take it. I didn’t like what Lookman did.”

However, Ademola Lookman expressed his disappointment with his head coach’s statement via his official social media accounts.

What did Ademola Lookman say about Gian Piero Gasperini’s statement?

“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”.

Atalanta’s attention will move to the Serie A as they will be looking to a comfortable position that will guarantee them a spot in the UEFA Champions League next season.