balato8 Ademola Lookman Says Gian Piero Gasperini Worst Penalty Taker Comments 'Deeply Disrespectful'

Ademola Lookman reacts after seeing his penalty saved Ademola Lookman reacts after seeing his penalty saved

Atalanta striker Ademola Lookman says it was "deeply disrespectful" for his coach Gian Piero Gasperini to describe him as "one of the worst penalty takers" he had ever seen after their Champions League exit. (More Sports News)balato8

Belgian side Club Brugge stunned Atalanta 3-1 in the second leg of their knockout-phase play-off tie on Tuesday, reaching the last 16 with a 5-2 aggregate win.

Lookman pulled a goal back for Atalanta after coming on as a half-time substitute with La Dea 3-0 down.

Timed at 45 minutes and 34 seconds, it was the fastest goal scored by a half-time substitute in Champions League history.

However, the Nigerian – who has scored 15 times this season – was criticised by his coach after having a 61st-minute penalty saved by Simon Mignolet.

Gasperini said Lookman was not supposed to take the penalty but had taken the ball off his team-mates, describing him as one of the worst takers he had ever seen.

Atalanta 1-3 Club Brugge (2-5 Agg), UCL: Gasperini Slams Lookman After Penalty Miss

Last year, India won the title at home, making them the only team to bag four titles in the history of the tournament.

"With a brief break after the Paris Olympics, the team is ready to take on the best hockey playing nations in Asia and prove its mettle.

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Lookman has now responded in a post to his social media channels, saying: "Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful,plusph casino 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.

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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 is about challenges and turning pain into power, which I'll continue to do."

pic.twitter.com/Ekv2bp7pwV

— Ademola Lookman (@Alookman_) February 19, 2025

Lookman has scored four of his six penalties in all competitions during his career in Europe's top five leagues, also missing against West Ham as a Fulham player in 2020.

Gasperini had said Lookman "has a terrible record even in training", adding that Mateo Retegui and Charles De Ketelaere were better options to take the spot-kick.

Lookman was Atalanta's hero last season when they won the Europa League, netting a hat-trick in the final when they beat Bayer Leverkusenbalato8, who had been undefeated all season.