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Ademola Lookman, Atalanta forward, has taken exception to bring publicly chided by his manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, following a penalty miss in the club’s recent defeat in the UEFA Champions League.
The incident occurred during Atalanta’s 3-1 loss to Club Brugge on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. Lookman failed to convert a crucial penalty, which could have shifted momentum in the game.
Following the match, Gasperini publicly criticized the forward, labeling him the “worst penalty taker.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Lookman addressed the situation, expressing his frustration with the coach’s handling of the matter.
“I take full responsibility for missing the penalty, but I find it deeply disrespectful to be singled out in such a manner. Football is a team sport, and moments like these should be addressed internally,” Lookman said.
The 27-year-old forward clarified that he had not gone against team orders by taking the penalty, revealing that the club’s designated penalty taker had asked him to take it.
“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,” he explained.
He emphasized his commitment to improving and helping his team bounce back from the defeat but made it clear that he expects mutual respect and professionalism from all parties involved.
Lookman, who helped the Bergamo club to a Europa League triumph last May, admitted that he had endured many difficult moments at the club but had always prioritized the team’s success over personal concerns.
“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,” the pacy striker added.
