WATCH: Steven Gerrard shocks fans by speaking Arabic after joining Al Ettifaq as manager

Steven Gerrard becomes Al-Ettifaq manager and speaks Arabic with strong Scouse accent at the unveiling.

WATCH: Steven Gerrard shocks fans by speaking Arabic after joining Al Ettifaq as manager

Steven Gerrard with the club emblem. (credits: The News International)

England and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard surprised the fans of his newly joined club, Al Ettifaq, by speaking Arabic during his unveiling ceremony on Tuesday. However, his Arabic was plagued by a heavy Scouse accent and it did not take long for the fans to understand that. He recorded a few video messages that were to be posted on the club’s social accounts to announce his arrival.

Stephen Gerrard became the latest football celebrity in the Land of Saud after he joined the Dammam-based outfit. Gerrard, who had a dismal run of form while coaching Aston Villa in the Premier League, was without a club since October 2022. He had refused to join a Saudi-based club before but had a change of heart.

YouTube video

In a video posted on the social media handles by the club, Gerrard was seen in the club headquarters with his contract in the background. His message, in Arabic, was, “Hello, I am Steven Gerrard. I am with Al-Ettifaq. See you soon!” Gerrard has signed a two-year deal with the club. However, Al Ettifaq is not one of the four clubs bought by the Public Investment Fund. So, it might not be probable for the club to sign major European stars to boost Gerard’s team. Gerrard will be facing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in the league.

Gerrard, the ex-Liverpool captain, and England midfielder, previously managed Rangers and won the Scottish Premiership in 2020-21. After showing a lot of promise for Rangers, Gerrard joined Aston Villa in 2022 but failed to replicate his success in England.

Gerrard was previously reported to have declined the opportunity to assume the managerial role in Dammam, publicly affirming his decision not to relocate to Saudi Arabia. He had said, “I was invited over there to look at a potential offer, I’ve been analysing that but where I stand right now I won’t be taking it on.”

Nevertheless, his stance shifted shortly thereafter, leading to a change of heart. As a result, he now joins the distinguished ranks of notable figures transitioning to the Saudi Pro League, following the paths laid by Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and N’Golo Kante. Steven Gerrard is now the new manager of Al Ettifaq.

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The history of Al Ettifaq

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Gerrard with the owners of the club. (Credit: Arabian News)

Al Ettifaq is one of the old guards in the Saudi Pro League and have been around since 1943. Situated in the Dammam province, the club was an amalgamation of three local clubs: Al-Taawoun, Al-Sha’ab, and Al-Shabab. The Commandos enjoyed reasonable success in the SPL in the early to mid-80s, winning the crown twice in 1982/83 and 86/87. However, they have not won the league since then and will look to end their trophy drought under Gerrard.

The club also won the King’s Cup twice in 1968 and 1985. The last trophy in the club’s cabinet was in 2006 when they won the GCC Champions League. Last season, Al Ettifaq ranked seventh in the Saudi Pro League under their previous manager Antonio Cazorla. Gerrard joining them is a big deal, and Al Ettifaq is thrilled to have him. They see him as a legendary figure who brings a rich history and a promising future to the club.

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