“Out of control” – Five-capped Ex-Super Eagles star slams Gasperini over Lookman comments

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.

Ademola LookmanAdemola Lookman
Ademola Lookman in action for Atalanta vs Club Brugge [Photo credit/Imago]
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Africafoot, Udi expressed disappointment in Gasperini’s handling of the situation.

“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.”

Ademola Lookman celebrates Europa League trophy {Photo Credit/ Imago].

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.

This post was last modified on February 21, 2025 6:07 am

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories. Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work.

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