Atalanta manager Gian Gasperini has clarified that his comments about Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman’s penalty miss were not meant to be offensive after their UEFA Champions League elimination on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday ahead of Atalanta’s Serie A clash with Empoli, Gasperini addressed the controversy surrounding his remarks.

Lookman, who scored just 36 seconds after coming on as a substitute with Atalanta trailing 3-0 at home, missed a penalty in the 61st minute during the knockout playoff against Club Brugge. Following the 3-1 defeat, Gasperini was critical, describing Lookman as “one of the worst penalty-takers” he had ever seen.

Lookman responded via Instagram on Wednesday, calling the statement “deeply disrespectful.”

Clarifying his stance, Gasperini insisted he never intended to offend the 28-year-old forward, praising his impact and suggesting he could improve as a penalty taker.

“The player [Lookman] felt offended, but I did not mean to offend anyone,” Gasperini said. “Lookman came on brilliantly against Brugge. His decision to take the penalty, even though generous, doesn’t change my view.

“I would have preferred for a strong player like him to encourage De Ketelaere [Atalanta’s designated penalty taker] to take the shot instead. However, he has the potential to become a great penalty taker, adding another weapon to his game.”

Gasperini also hinted that his time at Atalanta could be coming to an end, revealing he might step down at the end of the season or when his contract expires next year.

“I don’t have much time left in this role; maybe this is my last chance,” he admitted. “As has been said, everything has a beginning and an end. At the end of the season, we’ll decide whether to see out the contract or leave earlier, but there will be no further renewals or extensions.”