Roma manager Rudi Garcia has insisted that Gervinho is a crucial part of his plans for the new season.

The 28-year-old was on the verge of joining UAE Pro League club Al Jazira earlier this summer, before the deal broke down over the player's wage demands.

"Gervinho was supposed to come back from the national team on July 13," Garcia told reporters. "He came back a week earlier because he wanted to be part of the training camp.

"That shows his dedication. He played in the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations with Cote d'Ivoire. When he came back he wasn't fit and he paid for that. But he's still a very important player for us."

Gervinho scored five goals for Roma last season.

Written by
Alex Meyers