Follow Us on Google
•Despite critics from Atalanta boss
Former Cameroon and Barcelona striker, Samuel Eto’o has backed Ademola Lookman in his ongoing feud with Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini, Soccernet.ng reports.
The tension between Lookman and Gasperini escalated this week following Atalanta’s shock Champions League exit at the hands of Club Brugge.
Europa League holder, Atalanta was favourites to advance to the last 16 but suffered a stunning 5-2 aggregate defeat, losing both legs to the Belgian side.
Rather than acknowledge his team’s poor performances, Gasperini singled out Lookman’s missed penalty as a decisive factor in their elimination.
Lookman did see his second-half spot-kick saved by former Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, but the Nigerian forward had earlier given Atalanta hope with a goal just 30 seconds into the second half.
In a scathing post-match press conference, Gasperini publicly ridiculed Lookman, calling him “the worst penalty taker” he had ever seen — despite the fact that the Nigerian had successfully converted all four of his previous penalties for Atalanta.
Lookman did not take the criticism lightly, firing back at his manager and branding his remarks as “disrespectful.”
Lookman has received widespread support in the fallout, with Juventus legend Alessandro Del Piero and former Nigeria international Duke Udi both criticizing Gasperini’s harsh remarks.
Atalanta’s American co-owners have also reportedly expressed their displeasure over Gasperini’s handling of the situation, unhappy that he publicly criticized one of the club’s biggest stars.
Now, four-time African Footballer of the Year and AFCON all-time top scorer Samuel Eto’o has added his voice to the debate.
In a post on his official Instagram page, Eto’o praised Lookman for his courage and assured him of Africa’s unwavering support.
“My younger brother, memory in football lasts 90 minutes—the time of a match and next.
“For us, you are and will always be our champion. Only he who has the courage to shoot can miss. Thank you for your courage, great champion.”
