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Ademola Lookman has released a statement after Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini singled him out for criticism after they crashed out of the Champions League.
Super Eagles ace Ademola Lookman released a page-length statement addressing Gian Piero Gasperini’s disparaging remarks after their Champions League play-off round exit to Club Brugge.
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07:41 - 19.02.2025
Lookman makes Champions League history with 35-second goal as 'first Nigerian' despite Atalanta heartbreak
Ademola Lookman returned to action for Atalanta to make Champions League history despite the club's shock exit against Club Brugge.
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10:35 - 19.02.2025
Heartbreak Revealed! Gasperini confesses how Lookman's penalty miss shattered Atalanta's spirit
Atalanta's coach Gian Piero Gasperini continues to blow hot after Nigeria's Ademola Lookman and the club's star player missed a crucial penalty against Club Brugge in the Champions League.
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What happened
La Dea were one of the more impressive sides in the UCL league phase; however, by a whisker, they missed out on the top-eight places where a spot in the round of 16 was guaranteed.
It condemned them to go the playoff route, where they faced Club Brugge, a tie in which they were clear favourites. However, they were shocked by the Belgian side across both legs.
They were beaten 2-1 at the Jan Breydek Stadium in the absence of the injured Lookman. With the Nigerian barely fit, he was named on the bench for the second leg, and Atalanta were already down by three at Gewiss Stadium before Lookman was thrown in at halftime as a sort of Hail Mary.
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The substitution seemed inspired, as the Nigerian scored in the opening minutes of the second half, sparking a possible comeback. Buoyed by the goal, Atalanta charged for another and won a penalty for their troubles.
Ademola stepped up to take but saw his attempt comfortably saved by Simon Mignolet. And so Atalanta were deflated, seemingly losing all will to fight, exemplified by the outburst of captain Rafael Toloi, which saw him get sent off.
Speaking after the game, however, Gasperini controversially zeroed in on Lookman’s penalty miss. He tore into the Nigerian, accusing him of glory hunting and being a terrible penalty taker.
Lookman's statement
Hours after Gasperini's comments and the reactions that followed, the Nigerian took to social media to release a statement.
“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,” Lookman said in his statement.
“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.
“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 I'll continue to do.”
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