Gerrard: “Family feeling” was a major factor in why he joined Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia.

According to Steven Gerrard, the “family feeling” at Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League inspired him to take the club’s managerial position.

Last week, the former captain of Liverpool and England signed a three-year deal.

The 43-year-old ultimately decided to accept the Saudi club’s offer after initially turning it down.

“When I visited Saudi Arabia, I felt like a real family. On Sunday, Gerrard tweeted on behalf of Al Ettifaq, “I actually felt welcomed.

“There are three things I always take into account in that order; first and foremost, it must be right for my family. The challenge needs to excite and inspire us.

Since Al Nassr signed Cristiano Ronaldo last December, there have been a number of high-profile transactions before this one.

Before relocating to Aston Villa, where he was fired last October, Gerrard led Rangers to their first Scottish Premiership championship in ten years in 2021.

The top-tier Saudi Pro League saw Al Ettifaq finish seventh the previous campaign.