Gervinho is determined to build on his first season in English football and go from strength to strength as an Arsenal player.
Arsenal winger believes he is ready to shine in Premier League
Gervinho is determined to build on his first season in English football and go from strength to strength as an Arsenal player.
The Ivory Coast international joined the Gunners from Lille last summer and says he has learnt a lot about how to play in the Premier League.
He is set to play a key role this season and started as part of a three-man frontline against Sunderland last weekend, with Theo Walcott on the opposite flank supporting Lukas Podolski.
It was a frustrating afternoon as the game ended goalless but Gervinho is confident he can enjoy a successful second season with the club - just like Gunners legend Robert Pires.
"You should always look at these examples from the past," Gervinho told
Arsenal Player.
"Robert is a fantastic player, very experienced, and I saw this for myself [when Pires was] training here.
Raise the bar
"I really hope to emulate Robert Pires in my second season, hopefully do even better, but I hope to carve out my own niche of course."
The 25-year-old, signed for a reported fee of £11million, added: "I hope to push on personally, also to progress with the team and to showcase my qualities.
"I have learnt lots of things, coming to a new club, being new to the Premier League.
"I have learnt to adapt on the pitch and, when I think back, also in front of goal.
"I really feel that I've come on a lot, I feel really good in training and I'm ready for my second season."
Gervinho accepts he must be able to provide more to the side than just sheer pace down the flanks.
"I may have to change the way I play, mix up my game a bit," he said.
"I will have to give even more and raise the bar even higher after my first season here.
"I have got lots of confidence in my own ability and I know I have got to keep up my standards.
"I will relish the challenge and I really want to show the club and the fans [what I can do] this year."
