“My Great Passion Is Being At Arsenal”

Arsenal forward Gervinho has settled in well at the club and is hoping to challenge for silverware this season, despite their poor start to the campaign.

The £10.5million summer signing from Lille admits he is enjoying life in north London and has complete faith in Arsene Wenger. He told the club’s official website:

“You always get comings and goings with players and you need to get used to it all and that’s one of those things that happen at every club. From my part, I’ve come here and am happy to be here. I wanted to come here and want to win lots of trophies here.

“The players here are very good players, that’s why they’re here. I’ve got faith in my friends, I’ve got faith in the management of the club and these people are all part of such a great club as Arsenal. I’ve got great confidence in the team and everything for this season and for years to come.

“I’m really enjoying it here, my great passion is being at Arsenal. It’s a new challenge and the settling in has brought a few difficulties, but I’ve got some French-speaking friends, which has helped. It’s gone really well and I’m feeling fine.

“Getting two goals on my debut was good for my morale, the two goals were good for settling in, they helped me find my feet on the pitch.”

The Ivorian was disappointed to be sent off on his debut for the Gunners during their 0-0 draw with Newcastle on the opening day of the season. He said:

“It was a big disappointment for me, of course, with the red card. The Newcastle players accused me of diving, but if you look at the replay and pictures, there was a slight foul. After the actual decision, I was very disappointed and it was hard at the time to take, but since then, I have put it to one side and am just focusing on the future.

“The game had both of those attributes, it settled into a quick rhythm, but I adapted OK while I was on the pitch. It was a good game, a very physical game and at a fast pace, but I enjoyed it all the same.”

He added: “It comes naturally to me to a degree, but if you ask my previous managers, they would also say that they have encouraged me a lot as well. I’m an attacking player and hopefully this helps the team, it does come naturally, but a lot of my managers have tried to make me into a more direct player.

“I’m happy to be in England, but I’ve really had to adapt to the team and that’s been the case from the start. Regarding English football that will come in due course, but for me the main thing is adapting to the style of play of the team and I think that is happening as I get used to my team-mates.”

Submitted by Football Friends