Ivorian forward Gervinho has returned to Europe following his transfer to the newly promoted Italian Serie A side Parma.

The 31-year-old joins Parma after he was released from his contract at Chinese Super League (CSL) side Hebei China Fortune.

Gervinho has signed a three-year contract at Parma after he was freed from his contract in China, which had six months left.

He spent two-and-a-half years at fellow Italian side AS Roma before moving to Asia, netting 26 goals in 88 appearances for the capital club.

His transfer was conveyed in a statement on the club’s website which read: “Parma Calcio 1913 announces the registration of the player Gervais Lombe Yao Kouassi ‘Gervinho’.”

“The striker, who in his career has worn the shirts of Lille, Arsenal and Rome among others, was at Hebei China Fortune, a club from which he was released in the last few hours.

“After passing his medical examinations he has signed a contract due to expire on 30.06.2021.”

Parma went bankrupt in 2015 and were demoted to Serie D but they are back in the top flight after three successive promotions.