ADEMOLA LOOKMAN has called criticism of him "deeply disrespectful" after his manager slammed his missed penalty.
The former Fulham and Everton star was in action for Atalanta last night as they were dumped out of the Champions League by Club Brugge.
The Serie A side trailed 3-0 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate at half time in Bergamo.
Lookman, 27, pulled a goal back in the first minute of the second period, before being handed a golden opportunity to further reduce his side's deficit from the penalty spot.
The Nigeria international's spot kick was saved by Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, however, with Atalanta going on to lose 3-1 on the night.
After the game, Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini said: "Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I've ever seen.
"He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them. (Mateo) Retegui and (Charles) De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all."
Lookman has since hit back at criticism directed his way.
In a statement posted to his social media accounts, he wrote: "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.
"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 l'll continue to do."
Lookman's botched spot kick last night was not his first underwhelming penalty.
With Fulham trailing West Ham 1-0 in November 2020, the winger stepped up from 12 yards in the 98th minute.
He infamously attempted a Panenka penalty, which was easily saved by the goalkeeper.
Prior to last night, however, he had scored all four spot kicks taken for Atalanta
'LOST HIS HEAD'
In the closing stages of last night's match, Atalanta skipper Rafael Toloi "lost his head".
As the 34-year-old went to take a throw in, he was needlessly bumped by Maxim De Cuyper.
The red mist then descended upon Toloi, who tried to throw the ball at his opponent.
It slipped out of his hand, however, and he fell over.
Feeling embarrassed, Toloi got up and begun to charge at De Cuyper, who had turned and was walking away.
The referee attempted to get in the Brazilian's away but his efforts were futile, Toloi bundling over his opponent.
He went on to be sent off for his head loss, while De Cuyper was yellow carded.
Gasperini, 67, added of the incident: "That was an ugly incident and we must never lose our heads.
"Atalanta must leave the Champions League with dignity, having played great games against the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Barcelona."
JosephLuciano
0
you dumb bro, his job is to score goals? so is the penalty not to score? is the coach blind when he picked the ball? what about the previous penalty he took and scored? just keep watching and see how useless the club would be when he leaves.
hi .. you don't know me . and you have no business calling me dumb and bro .. and your answer tell me what I need to know about you .. you have little knowledge of soccer ( football) . Don't reply to people if you are not gonna make sense.. thank you.
olosco50
0
I played at a certain level of soccer that allow me to say that when the coach plans something for the players. you respect the plan. he as a history of sucking penaltys why in hell you are taking a penalty that important. at that moment of the game.. well if I am the fool so be it .... and is job is to score goals, not to take the penalty knowing that he is not the best at it ..
you dumb bro, his job is to score goals? so is the penalty not to score? is the coach blind when he picked the ball? what about the previous penalty he took and scored? just keep watching and see how useless the club would be when he leaves.
JosephLuciano
0
you're a fool. he was the one that scored the only goal.
I played at a certain level of soccer that allow me to say that when the coach plans something for the players. you respect the plan. he as a history of sucking penaltys why in hell you are taking a penalty that important. at that moment of the game.. well if I am the fool so be it .... and is job is to score goals, not to take the penalty knowing that he is not the best at it ..
olosco50
1
it's high time for you to leave the useless Club. very ingrates club and fans
olosco50
0
but lookman why did you choose to practice what you have been failing to do in training in a real crucial match , as a player you should be smart enough to know your strength and weakness, dude got greedy and let his team down
you're a fool like Barcelona club
olosco50
0
why all this crap.. it was clear that he should not have taken the penalty. he toke it and miss it . he already missed few this year . the coach is not happy about the situation.. how can you blame the coach.. wtf
you're a fool. he was the one that scored the only goal.
JosephLuciano
1
why all this crap.. it was clear that he should not have taken the penalty. he toke it and miss it . he already missed few this year . the coach is not happy about the situation.. how can you blame the coach.. wtf
mishaelmaik
0
but lookman why did you choose to practice what you have been failing to do in training in a real crucial match , as a player you should be smart enough to know your strength and weakness, dude got greedy and let his team down
didn't you read his comments? it was the panelty taker that asked him to take it and prior to yesterday he has scored 4 from the spot. so?
adegbenga
0
It was very terrible for the Coach to have singled Ademola out and spoke to him so harshly the way he did. Even the best of players do miss penalty kicks. I feel so sad for Ademola.
do you know how to read at all? they said he scored all the four penalties taken for Atalanta, so what do you mean by penalty practice?
MarioSubze69
0
It was very terrible for the Coach to have singled Ademola out and spoke to him so harshly the way he did. Even the best of players do miss penalty kicks. I feel so sad for Ademola.
why did he take the penalty though when everyone knows how terrible he is in penalties. so he thought a crucial match was the perfect time for penalty practice?
MarioSubze69
1
but lookman why did you choose to practice what you have been failing to do in training in a real crucial match , as a player you should be smart enough to know your strength and weakness, dude got greedy and let his team down
Fudge007
0
bro needs consistency and he doesn't have that and instead he takes what is said and improves... he complains like a little girl😒😡
Ojoafedoatanu
1
It was very terrible for the Coach to have singled Ademola out and spoke to him so harshly the way he did. Even the best of players do miss penalty kicks. I feel so sad for Ademola.