Atalanta striker Ademola Lookman responded to the public criticism of manager Gian Piero Gasperini, who beat club Bruges in a 3-1 UEFA UEFA Champions League defeat on Tuesday, February 18, which is a deep respect.
Lookman faced harsh criticism from Gasperini, who marked him as the “worst penalty kick” after the game. However, in a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, February 19, the Nigeria International expressed disappointment with the person selected by the Italian manager.
“In a way that my pain was not only hurt, but felt very disrespectful, especially because I have been working and committed every day to help bring success and incredible fans of Bergamo to this club,” Lookman said .
The striker also clarified that he did not use a fine to oppose team instructions and pointed out that the club’s designated penalty kicks require him to step up.
“During the game, the designated finer instructed me to accept the fine; I am responsible for doing so at this moment in order to support the team,” he explained.
Lookman, who played a key role in Atlanta’s Europa League victory last May, admitted that he had a difficult time at the club but had always put the team first.
“Actually, I’ve dealt with a lot of tough moments during my time here – I think that’s most I’ve never talked about because I think the team has to be always protected and have to be first. This makes what happened last night. More painful,” he added.
