Al-Ettifaq boss Steven Gerrard talked about Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence that guided him to the Saudi Pro League in the summer.
Gerrard arrived in the Middle East four months ago to take charge of Al-Ettifaq, signing a two-year contract at the Dammam-based side.
The Englishman’s side, led by Jordan Henderson, had a decent start to the season and currently sit seventh in the league table as they compete for a top-three spot.
Speaking on his move to Saudi Arabia, Gerrard discussed the league’s growth citing its increasing popularity and influx of new talent while explaining how Ronaldo was the catalyst for his switch to Al-Ettifaq.
“I think the arrival, of the GOAT, as we call him, Cristiano, him arriving in January, obviously a huge signing, still had a lot of football to offer,” Gerrard said via the Saudi Pro League’s account on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“So from afar for six months, I was looking at Cristiano Ronaldo’s results and the league, watching some games, watching some highlights.
“And I think from that moment the league around the world, it became a very popular talking point for everyone. After Cristiano’s arrival, even more big-name signings and talent and skill sets were joining the league.
“The timing just coincided with me being out of the game and looking for my next opportunity, so I was fascinated from afar to look in.
“When my agent and my agency brought a couple of opportunities in the Gulf area at the time, I was fascinated to explore them.
“The Al-Ettifaq proposal and opportunity was the most exciting for me because I think I’ve signed up to a club where the board are very passionate.
“They understand where the club’s at, they understand that it’s something that needs building. It’s going to take time.
“That’s the reason why I was very interested to analyse this one, because I think in my job you need time, especially when the club’s finished seventh in the league and so many points behind the top four teams, that’s not an easy fix.
“It’s not something that you fix in a week, a month, in six months. It’s a project, a build on the pitch,” he added.