Atalanta winger, Ademola Lookman, has fired back at Atalanta boss Gian Gasperini, accusing him of making “deeply disrespectful” comments following their elimination from the Champions League.

The Nigerian international made his return from injury as a substitute in the second half, with his team 5-1 down on aggregate in their Champions League play-off second leg against Club Brugge. He needed just 36 seconds to pull a goal back, following their elimination from the competition.

The key moment in the game came when Atalanta was awarded a penalty, and Lookman took the spot kick instead of the first-choice penalty takers, Charles De Ketelaere and Mateo Retegui. The penalty was saved, and after the game, Gasperini referred to him as “one of the worst penalty-takers I’ve ever seen.”

Shortly after Gasperini’s remarks, the player took to social media to share a statement on Wednesday via his X handle.

He said, “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.” 

Lookman also pointed out that he had dealt with many challenges during his time at the club, adding, “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.”

He explained  he took the penalty because the designated penalty taker asked him to, stating, “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.” Despite the criticism, Lookman remained determined, concluding, “Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power, which I’ll continue to do.”

The Super Eagles star has been a key player for Gasperini’s side and his absence due to injury had an important impact on their performance.

Sports journalist and football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Wednesday via his X handle that the 27-year-old winger is set to leave the club in the summer transfer window and stated that the club will try to clarify the situation with Gasperini in the next 24 hours.

“Atalanta will try to clarify the situation with Gasperini in the next 24 hours after strong quotes… but won’t change future plans. It was already planned last summer, transfer to happen this year,”  Fabrizio Romano wrote.