Gervinho/France - L1 : « I am not worried about Lille »

What was the motivation behind your switch to Arsenal?

My priority is to see things going on well for me on the pitch as well as with my mates, progress as far as possible and why not win a title at the end of this season given that it has been a long time since the club tasted silverware.

Which is not the case, given your double with Lille last season…

Yes I am used to titles; I lived some nice moments of recent. I know what it means and I will like to live it with Arsenal and win more titles here.

Do you still follow Lille’s performances?

Yes I still communicate with some of the players and the coach (Rudi Garcia), whom I know better. I lived a very excellent moment with them and it is not a club you can easily forget. I have memories of this club and I will never forget all the good moments spent at Lille.

Are you therefore satisfied with Lille’s start to the season even though they are not top of the table?
Yes, I am not worried. I hope they will finish amongst the top five team or even the three best teams. I know the coach, his manner of approach and his mentality and I know what he is capable of doing.

«  hope Eden Hazard will find a club where he can show his talent to the rest of the world »

Can Lille retain the title?

When I say amongst the five of three best, it means they can still finish up as champions, I didn’t say they will finish third or fifth. They can equally be champions.

Do you think Eden Hazard’s departure during the summer break to PSG or any other club will hamper Lille’s chances of winning the title?

 No, I am not worried. As players, we all want to cross the line and progress to the next level so if Eden has the opportunity of doing so, it is good for him as well as the club. But as I said I know Rudi Garcia very well, even though it will be difficult for Lille to let a player of his quality to leave, I know he will always look for a solution to fill the gap. However I hope Eden finds the club that suits him better.

After leaving Lille for Arsenal, can you advise Hazard to join a big club?

Yes, a club where he will have sufficient game time and where he can continue to show his skills. He is still young, therefore it will be essential for him to look for more game time. However, I wish him good luck and hope he will find a club where he can show his talent to the rest of the world because he has a great potential.