Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has opened up on his decision to move to the Middle East.
Steven Gerrard, who previously managed Rangers FC in Scotland, enjoyed a successful spell at Ibrox, dethroning Celtic and going the entire season unbeaten to win the Scottish League in 2021.
After those magnificent three years in Scotland, Aston Villa came calling when the West Midlands club parted ways with Dean Smith.
However, ‘Captain Fantastic’ as the former Liverpool skipper is fondly called, could not replicate such fortunes at Villa Park, and he was shown the exit door with Unai Emery taking over.
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Another big-name player is on the verge of joining the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Kareem Benzema to move to the Saudi Pro League.
Gerrard was without a job for a few months, and Saudi Arabia came calling, but the Liverpool legend turned down the chance to manage in Saudi Arabia.
Months later, Gerrard would say yes to Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League, and he now explains why he turned down initial offers.
Gerrard explains Saudi Arabia’s move
According to the DailyMail, Steven Gerrard was waiting on two clubs in the English Championship after speaking with them, but unfortunately, both clubs ghosted him.
The championship clubs that did not get back to Steven Gerrard are believed to be Leicester City and Leeds United.
“I had a couple of other things on the table at Championship level and I had to make a decision what I believed was right for me
“In time with being patient, this was the best offer on the table because we had two offers that had a chance, they were took away from me rather than me making that decision,” Gerrard said.
The 43-year-old manager guided his side which includes former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson to a 2-1 win over Al-Nassr, who were without Cristiano Ronaldo.
23:41 - 14.08.2023
Gerrard and Henderson's Al-Ettifaq start campaign with win against Ronaldo's Al-Nassr
A Sadio Mane led Al-Nassr lost their first league game of the season to Steven Gerrard'd Al-Ettifaq.
Former Liverpool man Sadio Mane opened the scoring for Al-Nassr in the 4th minute, but Al-Ettifaq fought back to win 2-1 on the night.