Gervinho says he realised a lifelong dream when he joined Arsenal.

The 31-year-old, now at Serie A club Parma, spent two seasons at Arsenal after joining from Lille in 2011.

Although he didn't collect any silverware at the Emirates, the Ivorian was proud of his time with his boyhood club.

"Many young players tell you that they want to play for Manchester United or Arsenal. My dream was to play for Arsenal and I realised it," the attacker told Goal. "When I arrived, I thought: 'Wow, I'm here!'

"Each of my clubs made an impression on me, but Arsenal was special. When Arsene Wenger called me to tell me that he would like me to come to his club, I don't think you imagine the satisfaction I felt just after hanging up the phone.

"Arsenal is an historic club. At the time, it was a club that made a lot of young people dream, with a style of its own and a coach like Wenger who had all of England at his feet. There was not one player who did not like watching Arsenal, with Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and others."