Steven Gerrard stated a “family feeling” at Saudi Arabian Pro league membership Al-Ettifaq was one of many issues that persuaded him to simply accept a training job with the aspect.
The former England and Liverpool captain signed a three-year contract final week after beforehand saying he wouldn’t be taking over a suggestion to affix the workforce.
The 43-year-old Gerrard had a change of coronary heart and has grow to be the newest huge title to affix the Saudi league.
“When I went to Saudi I got a real family feeling. It made me actually feel welcomed,” Gerrard advised Al-Ettifaq’s Twitter account on Sunday.
“There are three things I always consider in order — it needs to be right for my family first and foremost. We have to be excited and motivated by the challenge,” he stated.
“Secondly I think the football project needs to be ambitious, it needs to be for the right reasons, and then of course you need to feel secure with the contract, but this comes at the very end.”
The transfer is the newest in quite a few high-profile offers since Al-Nassr signed Cristiano Ronaldo final December. Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema joined Al-Ittihad in June.
Gerrard follows within the footsteps of his former workforce mate Robbie Fowler who was appointed coach of Saudi second division workforce Al-Qadsiah on Thursday.
Gerrard guided Rangers to their first Scottish Premiership title in 10 years in 2021 earlier than leaving for Aston Villa, the place he was sacked final October.
Al-Ettifaq completed seventh within the top-tier Saudi Pro League final season.
