The World Opinion

Tag: Al-Ettifaq

  • ‘Can’t perceive why coming right here would harm Henderson’s legacy and Messi going to the MLS complements his’: Saudi Professional League Director

    One of the most main speaking issues in the summertime switch window has been Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson transferring from the Merseyside to Saudi Professional League membership Al-Ettifaq.

    That, the English midfielder had honed the picture of an best friend of the LGBTQIA+ neighborhood all the way through his time on the Premier League has been put below the scanner together with his transfer to Saudi Arabia, a rustic the place homosexuality is unlawful and punishable by means of dying.

    Saudi Professional League director of soccer Michael Emenalo alternatively, believes that Henderson’s transfer to the league “is (now not) going to be one thing that defines (avid gamers’) legacy”.

    “I to find it exhausting to know why coming right here would harm his legacy and (Lionel) Messi going to the MLS complements his legacy. There’s something incorrect with that. I don’t get why that will be the case,” Emenalo stated.

    “I believe he stays professional homosexual rights, I don’t assume it adjustments the rest. I’m professional having a little bit little bit of a laugh each and every now and again however I’m additionally a lot more professional respecting the cultures of each and every nation, as a result of I’ve achieved that all over the place that I’ve lived and feature by no means observed one nation with the similar tradition as the opposite. There’s at all times one thing other. In some nations, you’ll be able to drink publicly nevertheless it (the bottle or can) must be in a brown paper bag; and in others you’ll be able to do that inside of your house or in no way,” he added.

    Henderson moved from Liverpool to Al-Ettifaq on a three-year contract price £700,000 every week to sign up for a crew controlled by means of any other former Liverpool legend, Steven Gerrard.

  • Steven Gerrard says ‘circle of relatives feeling’ was once a key reason why for becoming a member of Al-Ettifaq

    Steven Gerrard mentioned a “circle of relatives feeling” at Saudi Arabian Professional league membership Al-Ettifaq was once probably the most issues that persuaded him to just accept a training activity with the aspect.

    The previous England and Liverpool captain signed a three-year contract closing week after prior to now announcing he would now not be taking over an be offering to sign up for the crew.

    The 43-year-old Gerrard had a metamorphosis of middle and has grow to be the newest giant identify to sign up for the Saudi league.

    “Once I went to Saudi I were given an actual circle of relatives feeling. It made me in fact really feel welcomed,” Gerrard informed Al-Ettifaq’s Twitter account on Sunday.
    “There are 3 issues I at all times imagine so as — it must be proper for my circle of relatives in the beginning. We need to be excited and motivated via the problem,” he mentioned.

    “Secondly I feel the soccer undertaking must be formidable, it must be for the suitable causes, after which after all you wish to have to really feel safe with the contract, however this comes on the very finish.”

    The transfer is the newest in a variety of high-profile offers since Al-Nassr signed Cristiano Ronaldo closing December. Former Actual Madrid striker Karim Benzema joined Al-Ittihad in June.

    Gerrard follows within the footsteps of his former crew mate Robbie Fowler who was once appointed trainer of Saudi 2d department crew Al-Qadsiah on Thursday.

    Gerrard guided Rangers to their first Scottish Premiership identify in 10 years in 2021 earlier than leaving for Aston Villa, the place he was once sacked closing October.

    Al-Ettifaq completed 7th within the top-tier Saudi Professional League closing season.