An Ivory Coast international, who is the Elephants' joint fourth-highest goalscorer of all time, has broken his silence after being left out of coach Ibrahim Kamara's final 23-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
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Former Arsenal star Gervinho was arguably the biggest omission, alongside former Chelsea star Salomon Kalou, from the Ivorian selection set to challenge for Nations Cup honours.
The 32-year-old was part of the Ivory Coast's title-winning side in the 2015 edition of the African spectacle, but did not feature in the tournament in Gabon two years ago due to a knee injury he sustained while playing for former club Hebei China Fortune.
Despite finishing as Parma's highest goalscorer in the 2018/19 Serie A campaign with 11 strikes in 30 games, there was no place for the former AS Roma talisman among Kamara's star-studded attacking options.
Gervinho, who has featured in five Nations Cup tournaments (2008, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2015), took to social media to respond to being snubbed for the squad that will feature in Egypt.
Watch: Malawi vs South Africa COSAFA Cup Highlights "Dear Ivorians, I don't know how to thank you for all the messages of support and affection I've received from my first call-up," Gervinho wrote on social media."Receiving your videos, photos and comments lately warm my heart.
"All this has helped reduce my disappointment not to be part of the team that will defend our colours at the next Afcon in Egypt.
"As you know so well, wearing our national shirt will always be a pride to me. I will always be ready and available when called upon to represent and defend our great nation Ivory Coast."
With 22 goals in 84 appearances for Ivory Coast, Gervinho is the Elephants' joint fourth-highest goalscorer, alongside Djohan Tiehi.
Only Didier Drogba (65), Abdoulaye Traore (50) and Kalou (28) have scored more goals for the national team than Gervinho.
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Do you think Ivory Coast made a huge mistake in not selecting Gervinho? Which side are you backing to clinch the AFCON title? Have your say in the comments section below.
