Gervinho

Gervais Yao Kouassi (born 27 May 1987 in Anyama), better known as Gervinho, is an Ivorian footballer who plays as a forward for Hebei China Fortune and the Ivory Coast national team.

Gervinho began his career at ASEC Abidjan and Toumodi F.C., before moving to Belgium in 2004 to play for the now-defunct Beveren. Between 2007 and 2011, he played in the French Ligue 1, initially at Le Mans and then at Lille. He was sold to Arsenal in 2011, and moved to Roma in 2013.

He has made 71 appearances for the Ivorian national team, scoring 20 goals.

Club career

Early career

Gervinho was born in Anyama, Ivory Coast. He began his career in the famed ASEC Abidjan youth academy, where he spent five years. At ASEC Abidjan, he was given the Brazilian Portuguese style nickname "Gervinho", derived from his first name Gervais, by the Brazilian coach who trained ASEC Abidjan.

Following this, he moved to Ivorian Deuxieme Division Zone Four side Toumodi F.C., where he turned professional.

Beveren

Gervinho played for two seasons at Belgian side Beveren, where he made 61 appearances for the club and scored 14 goals.