‘People said I was done but they were very wrong’
The Ivorian winger has returned to European football after a spell in China, and has been defiant in his insistence that he still has some years left at the very top of the game.
Many thought that Gervinho had settled for an easy end to his career when he signed for Chinese Super League side Hebei China Fortune in 2016.
Yet , after marking his return to European football with a stunning Serie A goal for Parma last week, the 31 year old has insisted that he still has lots to give to the game.
The winger pciked up the ball inside his own half, evaded half of the entire Cagliari team, and fired home via the post, to mark a truly wonderful solo goal.
Even his teammates were impresed by the finished, many subconsciously applauding his effort rather than jumping to celebrate.
In an interview with 'The Guardian' this week, the former Arsenal player has defended his unique career trajectory, that that has spanned three continents, all the while insisting that he holds no regrets.
Gervinho said: "I had some injury problems and that’s why people started to say Gervinho was done. But they were very wrong. Every week we had to give our best; in China there are many great foreign players now and this also motivates the Chinese players... You earn a lot – I had a huge salary – but then you have to prove you are worth it. Every match is a challenge and I played next to or faced some truly great players.”
The Ivorian then addressed the reasons for returning to Italy, after having already played for AS Roma earlier on in his career.
He said: "It all started with a phone call from Parma’s sporting director, Daniele Faggiano. We talked and after a few minutes we already had a proposal. He was very quick, pragmatic, enthusiastic – he deserves most of the credit. I felt in love with this project immediately.”
Gervinho has been rapid in proving his doubters wrong; scoring 4 goals in 8 Serie A matches, including one against Juventus. Parma's current 11th placed league position is in large part down to Gervinho, whose top flight experience has been vital for the newly promoted side.
Finally the winger also spoke of how, no matter the amount of questions he has face, he would not change one aspect of his career. He is happy with what he has managed to achieve.
Gervinho added: "You must never forget where you came from. I was born in a tiny place in Ivory Coast, so being a protagonist in this life is a dream. I started playing football in Abidjan, my African town, without even having shoes on my feet. I was lucky to go on to have a good life, thanks to my passion. I played in the club of my dreams, Arsenal. I won a league title and a French Cup. I brought the Africa Cup to the people of my country and felt like a hero."
He continued: " I had great champions as teammates and I think I have many years in my career ahead of me. I have no regrets, I just want to enjoy every moment, every action, every shot on goal, because all of a sudden one day it will all end and without football life is sad."