Ademola Lookman releases statement after being branded ‘one of the worst penalty-takers’ following Champions League exit

Ex-Charlton attacker Ademola Lookman has released a statement after being branded ‘one of the worst penalty-takers I’ve ever seen’ by his Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini.

The 27-year-old from Wandsworth missed from 12 yards in Tuesday night’s 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge as Atalanta exited the Champions League.

The Serie A side were defeated 5-2 on aggregate but Gasperini said after the match: “Lookman wasn’t supposed to take the penalty.

“He’s one of the worst penalty-takers I’ve ever seen.

“Even in training he has a very low percentage, he kicks them really badly.”

Lookman scored his 15th goal of the season at the start of the second half to put the game to 3-1 on aggregate and offer the Italians a glimmer of hope.

But the former Everton and RB Leipzig saw his effort from the spot saved by Simon Mignolet in the 61st minute to all but kill their hopes of a comeback.

“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 on social media.

“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.”

PICTURE: ALAMY