Steven Gerard signed by Saudi Pro League Club Al Ettifaq as manager

Image: Ettifaq_EN \ Twitter

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has signed up with Al Ettifaq as their head coach. The legendary England midfielder announced his move on Monday.

Gerrard’s deal follows a string of other big names from the English Premier League that have been signed by Saudi clubs in recent months.

Where legends are found ❤️?

We’re thrilled to announce Steven Gerrard is our new head coach ✍️#GerrardEttifaqi pic.twitter.com/hgeHl1Djnu

— Ettifaq Club (@Ettifaq_EN) July 3, 2023

Gerrard has agreed to a two-year contract with the Saudi club. In a video released by the Saudi FC, he greeted the club’s followers in Arabic.

Good morning ?#HalaEttifaq #GerrardEttifaqi ❤️? pic.twitter.com/XmMyDfIQQe

— Ettifaq Club (@Ettifaq_EN) July 4, 2023

About Al Ettifaq

Ettifaq are two-time Saudi champions but were seventh in the 16-team Saudi Pro League last season, finishing 35 points behind champions Al Ittihad.

The former England midfielder had coached Aston Villa until October last year. He also led Scottish club Rangers to their first Scottish Premier League Win in 2020-21.

His move to Saudi Arabia follows in the footsteps of several top European players to have headed to the kingdom, most notably Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema.

However, Lionel Messi turned down an offer to head to Saudi Arabia and chose Inter Miami as his next home after finishing with Qatari-owned club Paris Saint-Germain.

Saudi Arabia, in June brought four football clubs under the Public Investment Fund, as part of its Vision 2030 agenda to make the country a sporting destination.