Steven Gerrard has been named as the new Al-Ettifaq manager.

The Saudi club confirmed the news on social media - with Gerrard penning a deal until 2025.

Gerrard had appeared to cool talks of a shock switch to return to the dugout but he has agreed the move after a U-turn.

A short post on Twitter confirmed: "Where legends are found.

"We’re thrilled to announce Steven Gerrard is our new head coach."

Gerrard's return comes nine months on from being sacked as Aston Villa boss.

The former Rangers manager has been doing media work as a pundit between dugout roles.

The big-money switch to Saudi comes shortly after Gerrard suggested he wouldn't take the job with Ettifaq before talks resumed.

Gerrard had said on Channel Four: "I was invited over there to look at a potential offer, which I did.

"I have been analysing that over the last couple of days. But, as we stand right now, I won't be taking that offer up."

However, it appears Gerrard was convinced by the opportunity in Saudi with the deal confirmed by the club.

A club statement confirmed: "Al- Ettifaq Club has officially completed the contract with English coach Stephen Gerrard, according to which he will assume the position of coach of the first football team at Al- Ettifaq club until 2025.

"The signing ceremony took place today,  Monday, in a hotel in the English capital, London, in the presence of the President of Al-Ittifaq Club, Eng. Khaled Al -Dabal.  

"It is noteworthy that the English legend Stephen Gerrard, born in 1980, began his coaching career at the Liverpool  Academy in the 2017/18 season, before leading the Scottish club Rangers in 2018 and crowning the league title without losing in the year 2020/21. Gerrard also coached Aston Villa in 2018. 2021/22.

"Stephen Gerrard is scheduled to take over his duties with the team with the start of the external camp.

"For his part, the President of Al-Ettifaq Club, Engineer Khaled Al  -Dabel, expressed his happiness at completing the signing deal with the English legend Stephen Gerrard in order to take over the training leadership of Al  -Ettifaq for the next two years, describing the deal as one of the most famous and influential deals at the level of the Saudi Roshan League.    

"Al-Dabel expressed his sincere thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and to His Highness the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - may God protect them - for their generous support in  all fields , including the sports field , and thank to His Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki, Minister of Sports for his continuous support to all   Sports clubs, pointing out that the great development witnessed by Saudi football during the last period would not have reached that position had it not been for the success of God first and then the generous support of the wise leadership. 

"He added: 'Without a doubt, Gerrard’s presence will be an addition and  a quantum leap to our league, as he is the first English coach to work  in the Roshen League, and God willing, there will be subsequent technical  additions to support the team so that Fares Al-Dahna will appear strongly during the new season ’s competitions."

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