Steven Gerrard has been confirmed as the new manager of Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq

Steven Gerrard has been appointed as the new manager of Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq.

The former England and Liverpool captain had initially turned down an approach to move to the Middle East.

Speaking last month Gerrard 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.”

However, in a major U-turn, the club has managed to convince Gerrard to make the move and take on his first job since being sacked by Aston Villa in October.

He was in change at Villa Park for just 11 months.

Before that, Gerrard enjoyed managerial success at Rangers, where he led the club to the Scottish Premiership title in 2021.

As for Al Ettifaq, they were seventh in the division last season, where they finished 35 points behind champions Al Ittihad.

Unlike many of their rivals, the club does not yet have a superstar name in its squad, but they were linked with Bayern Munich forward Sadio Mane – who has said he is not interested in making the move.