ADEMOLA LOOKMAN has called criticism of him “deeply disrespectful” after his manager slammed his missed penalty.
The former Fulham and Everton star was in action for Atalanta last night as they were dumped out of the Champions League by Club Brugge.
The Serie A side trailed 3-0 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate at half time in Bergamo.
Lookman, 27, pulled a goal back in the first minute of the second period, before being handed a golden opportunity to further reduce his side’s deficit from the penalty spot.
The Nigeria international’s spot kick was saved by Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, however, with Atalanta going on to lose 3-1 on the night.
After the game, Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini said: “Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen.
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“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 since hit back at criticism directed his way.
In a statement posted to his social media accounts, he wrote: “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.
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“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.”
Lookman’s botched spot kick last night was not his first underwhelming penalty.
With Fulham trailing West Ham 1-0 in November 2020, the winger stepped up from 12 yards in the 98th minute.
He infamously attempted a Panenka penalty, which was easily saved by the goalkeeper.
Prior to last night, however, he had scored all four spot kicks taken for Atalanta
‘LOST HIS HEAD’
In the closing stages of last night’s match, Atalanta skipper Rafael Toloi “lost his head”.
As the 34-year-old went to take a throw in, he was needlessly bumped by Maxim De Cuyper.
The red mist then descended upon Toloi, who tried to throw the ball at his opponent.
It slipped out of his hand, however, and he fell over.
Feeling embarrassed, Toloi got up and begun to charge at De Cuyper, who had turned and was walking away.
The referee attempted to get in the Brazilian’s away but his efforts were futile, Toloi bundling over his opponent.
He went on to be sent off for his head loss, while De Cuyper was yellow carded.
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Gasperini, 67, added of the incident: “That was an ugly incident and we must never lose our heads.
“Atalanta must leave the Champions League with dignity, having played great games against the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Barcelona.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
