Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has spoken out following the intense backlash he received after missing a crucial penalty, addressing the situation in a heartfelt 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 wrote, expressing his disappointment over the reaction to his miss.
The Nigerian international, who has been a key figure for Atalanta, voiced his frustration at being “singled out” despite his dedication and contributions to the club. “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.”
Lookman also revealed that he has faced numerous challenges at the club, most of which he has chosen not to speak about publicly. “This makes what happened last night even more hurtful,” he added.
During the match, Lookman was given the responsibility to take the penalty after receiving instructions from the designated taker. However, his miss proved costly, and manager Gian Piero Gasperini did not hold back in his post-match comments. The Atalanta boss was critical of the situation, hinting at frustration with how events unfolded.
Despite the disappointment, Lookman remains resilient. “Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power, which I’ll continue to do,” he concluded, determined to bounce back stronger.
