Former Nigerian international Duke Udi has condemned Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini’s harsh public criticism of Ademola Lookman, Soccernet.ng reports.
Udi has described Gasperini's actions as humiliating and advised the Super Eagles forward to consider leaving the club this summer.
Lookman, who missed a crucial penalty in Atalanta’s UEFA Champions League defeat to Club Brugge, faced a harsh comment from Gasperini, who publicly expressed displeasure over his decision to take the spot-kick.
“The manager was out of control and out of touch with his comments about Ade (Lookman). In times of defeat, a team has to stick together, and players and managers must support each other because it is a sport and a collective responsibility,” Udi stated.
The five-capped former Super Eagles star further criticised Gasperini for publicly shaming Lookman instead of addressing the issue internally.
“His comments were completely out of line and very humiliating to a player who has done his best over the last few seasons. He has been disrespected in the worst way, and I think he should leave this summer.”
Meanwhile, Lookman, who played a key role in Atalanta’s historic UEFA Europa League triumph last season with a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen, expressed disappointment over being singled out despite always giving his all for the team.
READ MORE: “It saddens me” – Atalanta’s Lookman breaks silence on Gasperini’s penalty backlash
Lookman’s future at Atalanta is now uncertain, especially after previously attracting interest from clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.
With the summer transfer window approaching, Gasperini’s comments may have further pushed the Nigerian international towards a potential exit.
