Cristiano Ronaldo convinced Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard but Saudi reality may have changed

Steven Gerrard, the Liverpool legend and current manager of Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, recently made a surprising revelation about the role Cristiano Ronaldo played in his move to the Middle East. Gerrard’s journey to the Saudi Pro League began after Ronaldo’s transfer to Al-Nassr in January 2023. This high-profile move caught Gerrard’s attention and sparked his interest in exploring opportunities in the Gulf region.

Gerrard admitted that he had been following the Saudi Pro League closely, monitoring Ronaldo’s performances and the league’s overall development. The arrival of Ronaldo not only increased the league’s popularity but also attracted other big-name signings like Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mané. As Gerrard found himself without a managerial position, he became fascinated by the prospect of joining a club in the Middle East.

When his agent presented him with opportunities in the Gulf area, Gerrard was particularly intrigued by the proposal from Al-Ettifaq. He was drawn to the club’s passionate board and their understanding of the rebuilding process required. Gerrard recognized that turning around a team that had finished seventh in the league and far behind the top four would be a challenging project that demanded time and support.

Since taking charge of Al-Ettifaq, Gerrard has overseen seven wins from his first 15 games. However, his side has struggled recently, winning just one of their last seven matches in all competitions. Despite these challenges, Gerrard remains committed to building a strong team on and off the pitch.