Roma Coach Rudi Garcia insists winger Gervinho is still ‘important’, despite almost moving to Al Jazira.
The Ivorian winger appeared to be on the verge of a transfer to the Abu Dhabi-based side, but collapsed due to the former Arsenal man’s alleged ‘obscene’ demands, which the player denies making.
Roma Coach Rudi Garcia insists winger Gervinho is still ‘important’, despite almost moving to Al Jazira.
The Ivorian winger appeared to be on the verge of a transfer to the Abu Dhabi-based side, but collapsed due to the former Arsenal man’s alleged ‘obscene’ demands, which the player denies making.
“He was to return on July 13,” Garcia explained in a Press conference after the penalty win over Real Madrid in a pre-season friendly.
“He came back before, to the training camp in Pinzolo, so that shows his motivation. He’s had 18 months playing at the highest level, with the World Cup and the African Cup of Nations.
“He remains a top class striker, and is important for us.”
The Giallorossi are in Australia for a pre-season tour, and the French tactician believes today’s win over Madrid was important, despite only being a friendly.
“I knew it would be a different match tonight compared to at Pinzolo. Not just because the internationals are back, but because there’s always the highest motivation when you play Real Madrid.
“I liked how we played in defence. It’s always important to win, even on penalties.
“We were dangerous on set pieces, but we’re still preparing, so we lacked speed and co-ordination in attack.”
Finally, Garcia was asked to discuss the futures of veteran full-backs Maicon and Ashley Cole, who have been linked with an exit.
“They’re two different cases,” the former Lille Coach told the media.
“They’re two great champions, with great CVs. Maicon was injured for a long time, but seems to be getting better. He’s been training well.
“I liked Ashley in his role [today], we found the great Ashley Cole we saw in Manchester [against City] last year.
“The ball is in his court, if he maintains this level then he’ll go back to being a top player, and that would be a great thing.”