Ivory Coast international Gervinho has criticised Arsene Wenger for his frustrating two years at Arsenal.
The 26-year-old arrived at the Emirates Stadium in July 2011 for £10million after a successful spell at Lille where he won a French league and cup double.
However, Gervinho struggled to recapture his form in the Premier League and spent much of last season as a substitute, which he felt showed Wenger’s lack of trust in him.
“I was not getting much time on the pitch and was in need of this time to improve and play my best football,” he told The Sun. “When you’re on the bench, it shows that you do not have the trust of the manager.”
The winger, who quit Arsenal last month to join Roma, also felt he needed a more personal relationship with Wenger rather than the Frenchman relying on mental help.
He added, “I’m sure a mentalist has helped a lot of people but for me talking to the coach would have been best.”
Despite admitting some regret about leaving Arsenal, Gervinho is also delighted to now be playing in Rome, where he has been reunited his old Lille boss Rudi Garcia.
“I’m sad about leaving but I had to take my emotions out of the equation and be pragmatic when making a sporting decision about my future,” he said. “I’m excited to be playing in Italy for a great team.”