Parma director of sport Daniele Faggiano has welcomed their deal for Gervinho.

Gervinho terminated his deal with Hebei China Fortune and returns to Serie A after leaving Roma for China in January 2016.

Faggiano told Sky Sport Italia about how the surprise swoop for the ex-Arsenal attacker came about.

“The idea started from just discussing players with those characteristics. There's no harm in trying, so I gave it a go. The club made some sacrifices and I went for it.

“I read some figures that have been reported on his contract, but they are not realistic."