Ademola Lookman slams ‘DISRESPECTFUL’ Gasperini in ugly penalty row

Atalanta striker Ademola Lookman has hit out at coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s criticism following the Serie A side’s exit from the Champions League, opening the door to a summer transfer in the process.

Lookman came on as a half-time substitute for Atalanta, who were chasing a 5-1 deficit on aggregate against Club Brugge when he arrived on the park. The Nigeria star soon reduced the scoreline but was guilty of seeing a penalty that could have made it 5-3 saved by Simon Mignolet.

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Gasperini was furious he took the kick after the game, which ended with Rafael Toloi dismissed after jostling with one of the Belgians’ players.

“Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” the coach said after the game.

“He wanted to take the penalty after scoring a goal, he took the ball despite Mateo Retegui and Charles De Keteleare available to take it… I didn’t like what Lookman did.”

Lookman ‘hurt’ by Gasperini comments

In keeping with the public nature of Gasperini’s comments, Lookman took to social media to hit out at his boss.

“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,” he said on multiple social channels.

“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.”

Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd and more linked

Lookman now appears poised to leave Atalanta, with multiple Premier League clubs thought to be following him.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all in need of a No.9 and are likely to be interested in the London-born striker, who has scored 15 goals across all competitions for Atalanta and really caught the eye during last season’s Europa League final, when he bagged a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen.

Lookman has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €48.6m, but the public feud with Gasperini throws in an additional unknown to the case. If this develops, he could leave for less than his valuation.