Title: Gervinho Linked with Shock Move to Italy’s Fourth Tier
Introduction
Former Arsenal forward Gervinho is making headlines as reports suggest that he is on the verge of securing a surprising move to play in Italy’s fourth tier. The 36-year-old Ivorian veteran, who gained prominence in England in 2011, has had a varied career since leaving Arsenal. This article delves into Gervinho’s journey, from his time at Arsenal to his recent stint in Greece, and explores the potential move to Italy’s Serie D.
Gervinho’s Arsenal Stint and International Success
After an impressive spell at Lille in France, Gervinho caught the attention of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who acquired him for a fee of nearly £11 million. However, Gervinho struggled to replicate his Ligue 1 form in the Premier League, scoring only 11 goals in 63 appearances over two years. Despite this, he was part of the Ivory Coast national team that won the 2015 African Cup of Nations.
International Ventures and Return to Italy
Following his time at Arsenal, Gervinho embarked on a global journey, starting with a move to Roma in Serie A. He spent three seasons with the Italian club before heading to China to join Hebei China Fortune. Although he had a decent goal-scoring record in Serie A, finding the net 17 times in 71 matches, his time in China was less successful, with just four goals in 24 appearances.
Gervinho’s Return to Italy with Parma and Turkish Adventure
Gervinho returned to Italy with Parma, where he played for three seasons. However, his time at Parma was marred by an incident where he went AWOL in an attempt to leave the club. Eventually, in 2021, he secured his exit from Parma. Turkish side Trabzonspor signed him, and he made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut. However, injuries limited his playing time to just nine matches during his one-year stint with the club.
Greece and the Potential Move to Italy’s Serie D
After his Turkish adventure, Gervinho signed with Greek club Aris. However, his time in Greece was underwhelming, with just one goal and 11 appearances in a year. Now, reports suggest that ambitious Serie D side Trapani is interested in bringing Gervinho back to Italy. Trapani club president Valerio Antonini confirmed the interest, stating that they have identified players who fit their tactical approach. However, the move is currently on hold due to Gervinho’s high wage demands.
Conclusion
Gervinho’s career has seen him travel across continents and play for various clubs, including Arsenal, Roma, Hebei China Fortune, Parma, Trabzonspor, and Aris. Despite his struggles at times, Gervinho’s talent and experience have caught the attention of Trapani in Italy’s Serie D. While the move is currently stalled due to financial considerations, it remains to be seen if Gervinho will make a surprising return to Italian football’s fourth tier. Football fans will be eagerly watching to see where this Ivorian veteran’s next adventure takes him.