After his amazing goal against Cagliari, Gervinho is now one of the tifosi's favorite players. In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, he's talked about his moment and the choice to come to Parma after having played in China, but also about the past and his special relationship with Rudi Garcia.
"Seeing people happy for my goal is the best gift. Parma? I've been welcomed really well here. I've received a lot of affection and I was moved by the standing ovation they gave me before I left the pitch. Parma's fans have suffered a lot before getting back in Serie A. I've chosen this club because they've made me feel important; the sporting director Faggiano has courted me for a long time, even if I'm not a beautiful woman...".
"Going to Europe at 18 to play football was nice, but difficult. I was going to bed sad and told myself I had to resist, I couldn't allow myself to be sad because football gave me an opportunity others didn't get. Then I met Garcia... He's been like a second father, everything I can do on a pitch is thanks to him. Winning the league and the cup with Lille in 2011 has been a blast, we all were important for him. When he's called me at Roma I didn't think twice and he's given me the chance to play with Totti".
"I've won a lot of money in China but didn't steal it, I earned it. Football is happiness for me, but also an entertainment and a job. I play to bring money home to sustain my family's needs. I've been well in China, I still have many friends there. It's been a particular experience, I've learned to live with other traditions and customs".
"D'Aversa? We have a great relationship, he's giving and asking me advices. We're always talking about everything. He makes everyone in the group feel important, I'm fine at Parma and hope to bring the club back to where it deserves to be: the top of Europe. We're thinking of avoiding relegation first though".
