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.