Steven Gerrard has claimed that his move to Saudi Arabia wasn’t totally motivated by money - but it did play a factor.
The former Liverpool star has been in charge of Al-Ettifaq since July last year. He was appointed as the club’s head coach following a disappointing spell with Aston Villa.
Gerrard had previously earned his managerial stripes with Scottish side Rangers - even ending the club’s long wait for a Premiership title. He then endured a difficult spell with Aston Villa before swapping the Premier League for the Middle East, with critics claiming that his decision was money motivated.
But Gerrard, who reportedly earns £15m per year, rejects that is the case despite hinting that money was a small factor. Speaking to The Telegraph, the 43-year-old said: “I was financially secure a long time ago.
“So, I would not come to Saudi for money. Was it part of it? Yes. Was it the only thing that made me do it? One million per cent, no.”
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Gerrard’s first season with Al-Ettifaq was a rollercoaster. The side finished sixth in the table, winning just 12 of their 34 league games and finishing 48 points off the pace in the race for the title.
The report claims Gerrard turned down a pair of struggling Premier League sides in favour of Al-Ettifaq in an effort to rebuild his reputation. He added: “For example, I was offered the chance to go back into the Premier League late on, where a team had very little time to go, where a team needed to have that lift and that reaction. But if I didn’t get that reaction and they went down it would have felt like another blow on the back of Villa.”
Steven Gerrard has been in charge at Al-Ettifaq since July (Getty Images)What is your view of football in Saudi Arabia? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Gerrard welcomed a number of familiar faces to Saudi Arabia during his debut season. One of the more notable names to sign for Al-Ettifaq was former Liverpool star Georginio Wijnaldum.
Demarai Gray, Moussa Dembele and Seko Fofana are also among their most prominent players. Investment behind the scenes has continued with ex-Liverpool goalkeeping coach John Achterberg leaving Anfield for Saudi Arabia.
Should the club continue that, Gerrard believes that he could help the league establish itself on the world stage. He said: “There are no guarantees but I believe with time with support and with the same people being on the same page, I’ve experienced it before, I have the confidence and belief that I can build something and make a difference.”
Gerrard is expected to lead the club next season. His contract is due to run until 2027 after penning a two-year extension in January.
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