Steven Gerrard Reveals Reason Behind Joining Saudi Club Al Ettifaq

• Steven Gerrard was recently announced as Al-Ettifaq’s manager
• Gerrard became the latest high-profile name to align himself with Saudi Arabia
• The former Liverpool captain has revealed the reason behind him accepting the offer from the Saudi club

Liverpool icon, Steven Gerrard has revealed his reasons for moving to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq.

Gerrard’s move to the middle east coincides with a massive exodus of many high-profile European players, including Karim Benzema, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly, N'Golo Kante, and former teammate Roberto Firmino.

It's the Liverpool legend's first job in management since he was sacked as Aston Villa boss in November last year.

Gerrard initially claimed that he had turned down an approach from Ettifaq according to reports from 90mins. However, talks resumed earlier this month before the former Reds captain agreed to join.

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Gerrard on joining Saudi league

When asked about why he decided to move to Saudi Arabia and become the new Al-Ettifaq manager, Gerrard said, as quoted by Tribuna.com:

“I think there were a lot of reasons for me wanting to join the football club and I think the club has a lot of good people that represent the club from the board down.

“When I went to Saudi I got a real family feeling.

“It made me actually feel welcomed. 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.

“Secondly I think the football project needs to be ambitious, it needs to be for the right reasons in terms of the challenge and the remit and then of course you need to feel secure with the contract, but this comes at the very end.

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“So it was a combination of reasons. I am extremely excited, I am happy and I can't wait to start. I can't wait to meet all the supporters and all the players.

“But the people I have met so far who represent Ettifaq have been absolutely outstanding and I think we share a lot of things in common.”

Gerrard is definitely venturing on a journey that not many could have imagined a few years ago, but he seems to be determined to succeed in Saudi Arabia.

The Englishman has a major challenge in front of him to get Ettifaq to win the Saudi Pro League title over strong teams like Cristiano Ronaldo-led Al Nassr and Al-Ittihad.

Steven Gerrard shows Arabic proficiency

Sports Brief had previously reported Gerrard sent a message to the fans of his new club after completing his switch to Saudi Arabia.

The Liverpool icon was seen addressing his new fans in Arabic as posted on the club’s social media channel.