Gerrard appointed manager of Saudi side Al-Ettifaq

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

It is the 43-year-old's first coaching job since he was fired by Premier League outfit Aston Villa last October following a run of just two wins from 12 games.

Gerrard will be hoping for a more successful stint at Al-Ettifaq, who finished seventh in the league last season with 10 wins from 30 matches.

They have won the title on two occasions, the last of those triumphs coming in 1986-87.

Gerrard did enjoy a positive spell as manager of Rangers between 2018 and 2021, guiding the Glasgow outfit to the Scottish Premiership title in 2020-21.

The ex-England captain had recently distanced himself from a move to the Middle East, saying: "There's been a lot said, a lot of it's not true.

"I was invited over there to look at a potential offer, which I did. I've been analysing that in the last few days. But where we stand now, I won't be taking that offer up."

But the Champions League-winning retired midfielder has clearly had a change of heart and becomes the latest big name to join the Saudi league.

Current stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante have all moved to the Pro League this year, with further major transfers expected.

The new season kicks off on August 11, with Gerrard joining the likes of Al-Hilal coach Jorge Jesus and Al-Ittihad boss Nuno Espirito Santo in aiming to mastermind a title tilt.