Steven Gerrard has been announced as the new manager of Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq after performing a U-turn on his previous comments. The former Aston Villa manager had announced that he would not be taking up the job but has now been confirmed as the new manager of the club.

The former Liverpool midfielder has signed a two-year contract and becomes the latest celebrity arrival in the Saudi Pro League. The likes of Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and N’Golo Kante have already joined as players. And Gerrard becomes the first big name manager to have made the move in recent months.

Steven Gerrard becomes new manager of Saudi side Al-Ettifaq

Gerrard led Scottish club Rangers to the Premiership title for the first time in ten years, and was later appointed the manager of Aston Villa. However, his time in the Premier League was short-lived and he was sacked months into his spell after not improving results.

He has now taken up a new role in the Saudi league and will be looking to build on his profile so far. Al-Ettifaq finished seventh in the league this past season, and will be expected to build on their performance of the past season.

The likes of Jose Mourinho and Max Allegri were also contacted to make the move to the Gulf State. Both Serie A managers were offered very lucrative contracts to manage clubs in Saudi Arabia, but both of them turned it down in favour of a stay with their respective clubs.