Steven Gerrard, the former England and Liverpool midfielder, has been appointed as the manager of Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq.

Despite previously stating in June that he had been offered an opportunity in Saudi Arabia but would not be pursuing it, Gerrard has now taken up the managerial position.

Khalid Al-Dabal, the chairman of Al-Ettifaq, expressed his excitement about Gerrard joining the club, stating that his presence will undoubtedly enhance the league.

Gerrard has signed a two-year contract with the Saudi club. Al-Ettifaq finished seventh in the 16-team Saudi Pro League last season, lagging 35 points behind champions Al-Ittihad.

Having been without a managerial role since his dismissal from Aston Villa in October of the previous year, Gerrard is now set to embark on a new chapter in Saudi Arabia.

This move comes in the wake of significant investments by Pro League clubs during the summer, with several notable European players joining Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United in making the move to the Middle East.