Atalanta coach Jean-Pierre Gasperini attacked Ademola Lookman, considering him “the worst penalty taker in the world”.
Gasperini’s big attack came after Lookman missed a penalty kick against Club Brugge that could have given the Italian club the chance to continue in the Champions League and avoid elimination from the round of 16 play-offs.
Gasperini told the media after the match, “Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I have ever seen in my life”.
He also added, “He wanted to take the penalty after he scored a goal, he took the ball despite the presence of Rettig and De Catelaere who were more worthy of taking it than him”.
He concluded, “I did not like what he did at all”.
Lookman responded to this message and the anger of Atalanta fans via his official Instagram account with a message in which he wrote: “I was hurt by what was said and I feel disrespected. I have always given my best and committed myself to giving my all every day for this club and these wonderful fans.”
He concluded: “We are sad about the defeat yesterday. During the match, I had to take the penalty kick, and I took responsibility then. Life is about challenges and turning pain into strength and I will continue to do so.”
It is worth noting that Lookman is Atalanta’s most important player, as he won the African Player of the Year award last year, and he was the one who scored three goals in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.
