Ivory Coast international striker Gervinho has expressed his desire to continue his club career in France despite attracting offers from top European sides including Liverpool.
Of course the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire are known because of their most famous export Didier Drogba. However, Double D is now 32 years old and closer to retirement. In fact, his last competitive fixture for Ivory Coast was this summer during the FIFA World Cup.
The 2012 AFCON tournament might be months away but with coach Francois Zahoui leaving out Drogba and Yaya Toure for their recent AFCON qualifier in Burundi, a lot can be made from his actions.
The talent present in the Ivory Coast team camp is overwhelming. With the likes of Kalou, Gervinho, Arouna Dindane Arouna Kone and Keita in their ranks, Ivory Coast are the strongest team on the continent-at least on paper.
Gervinho’s contract with Lille is set to expire in 201, but the 23 year old still remains undecided. Lille have offered him an extension which he is yet to take up.
“I do not know what the future holds for me,”
“The most important thing for me is to continue to learn, step by step, regardless of club or country. I love the French league very much. The league allowed me to shoot to the European level. I’d be very happy to continue playing in France. But I’d also be very pleased to experience life in a big foreign club. At Lille, my coach has much confidence in me. This is something very important to me. For now, I don’t mind what happens off the field, I want to concentrate on the game.”
Should Gervinho leave Lille, it is not know where his next destination would be however, it is believed that with Liverpool already showing interest in him, he could relocate to England.
Photo credit: from PUMA 1948
