After two and a half years in China with Hebei China Fortune, Gervinho decided it was time to return to European football, having left it in 2016.
Returning to Italy, the Ivory Coast international signed on a free to Parma in Serie A where he has impressed, scoring four goals in eight league appearances so far this season.
This form pushed Corriere dello Sport to sit down with the 31-year-old, who was asked who from his national team he would recommend to clubs in Italy. His answer? A Crystal Palace player.
He said: “I could say Manchester United’s Bailly, or even Wilfried Zaha, but I wouldn’t neglect [Wilfried] Kanon, the centre-back at Den Haag. I give you my word as godfather.”
Renewing his contract with the Eagles until 2023, it seems like a move to Serie A might have to wait for Zaha, who has scored three goals and picked up two assists in 10 Premier League games this season.
Looking at how important he is to Crystal Palace, it would take a huge amount to convince them to let him go, perhaps more than most Serie A sides can afford bar Juventus.
Eric Bailly, however, is a different kettle of fish.
Barely used by José Mourinho this season at Old Trafford, Italian clubs might find themselves more in that deal.
