Gervinho believes he can surpass the likes of Thierry Henry, Ian Wright and Cesc Fabregas to become the club’s greatest ever signing.
Since joining the club in July 2011, the Ivory Coast international has struggled to establish himself as a regular first-team player under Arsene Wenger, making just 19 starts in his first season.
The 25-year-old started this campaign on a brighter note, netting five goals in Arsenal’s opening seven matches, but a dip in form has seen the forward lose his place to Theo Walcott.
“I want to be here for a long time, do better than all the other players that came here,” he told Goal.com. “I’m not thinking about going somewhere else for the moment. I’m in one of the best clubs in the world. I’ve got one of the best managers in the world. I’ve always wanted to be here. I think long-term, not short-term.
“But to mention the club and the fans, you never know. But for the moment, I’m here for the long term.”
Arsenal has struggled for consistent form this season and currently sits sixth in the Premier League table, 21 points behind leader Manchester United, but Gervinho insists that the feeling at the club remains positive.
“It’s never easy when your team is having a hard time,” he added. “We try not to think about it too much after every game when things are bad. We are responsible for whatever happens to the club. The atmosphere in the locker room is good. We try to keep our heads cool and our chins up to win every weekend.
“Sometimes it works better than others but you have to focus on the positive side so for that next game you still have the right state of mind. We’ve been through some tough periods in the league, but every time we have managed to come back stronger and give our best.”
The 25-year-old also praised the passion shown from fans in English football, since his £10 million move from Lille 18 months ago.
“The passion the British people have for football… they live for football,” he said. “Whatever difficulty their club is having the supporters are always behind it, they don’t give up, they travel away with the team. My most striking image is this passion people have for football.”
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Gervinho can be a good player, but he’s too panicky whenever he’s got the ball.
Greatest signing? No..he first of all needs to learn how to control the ball?
I too want to be Arsenal’s greatest ever player but just like Gervinho it ain’t ever gonna happen!
LOL
He’s dreaming, another Bendtner. Too often a headless chicken.
Funniest thing I’ve heard for a while. He can’t shoot to save his life but wants to be better than Dennis and TH.
Ha ha when I saw this I just had to comment. Gervinho?, greatest ever? Really? Ur having a laugh. The man is already 25 and has showed no signs of improvement if anything he has regressed since his arrival. Anyways guys head over to http://theultimateproductreview.blogspot.com
He should focus on how to control ball and learn how to score infront of goal post rather than talking of becoming T H.
What’s wrong with you people? Any player who shows ambitions is arrogant/stupid? Fans should stand behind such players and try encouraging them, even if they aren’t doing well atm. What do you want him to say? That he will never be good enough to play for Arsenal? It’s nice to have players who love the club and want to do their best for it (despite fans booing and abusing them!!).
Come on Gervinho!!