Atalanta Bergamo’s Champions League dream came to a crashing end after a heavy 5-2 aggregate defeat to Club Brugge in the play-off round.

The Italian press and coach Gian Piero Gasperini singled out Ademola Lookman as the scapegoat, despite the Nigerian forward scoring his team’s only goal in the second leg. His missed penalty, however, proved costly, leading Gasperini to publicly label him “the worst penalty taker in history.”

In response to the fierce backlash, Lookman spoke out, expressing his frustration over the personal attacks.

“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,” he declared.

The forward’s reaction highlights his disappointment at being blamed for Atalanta’s elimination, as tensions rise between him and his club in the aftermath of their European exit.