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.
 "He told me to take it — Ademola Lookman fires back at Atalanta coach for singling him out 1")
Ademola Lookman returned to action for Atalanta to make Champions League history despite the club’s shock exit against Club Brugge.
 "He told me to take it — Ademola Lookman fires back at Atalanta coach for singling him out 2")
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.
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 place in the round of 16 is 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.
Ademola Lookman went from hero to zero in the match.
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 have followed, the Nigerian has taken to social media to release a statement.
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