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Steven Gerrard has given his first statement since he left the side of Saudi Arabia al-Ettifaq.
After a brief season by Aston Villa, Gerrard became one of the highest profile managerial additions to the Saudi Professional League when he assumed the position of Al-Ettifaq in July 2023.
The arrival of Gerrard to the Dammam -based club was followed by several high profile signings, including Moussa Dembele, Demarai Gray and the former duo of the center of the field of Liverpool, Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum.
However, despite the end of sixth and agree on an extension of his contract of £ 15 million per year in his inaugural campaign, Gerrard's position in the club was a growing scrutiny after a lousy race this season.
After winning his first three league games, in his next 11 games of the Pro Saudi League, Al-Ettifaq proceeded to ensure only six points of a possible 33.
The crisis reached a critical point on Thursday, with the club launching a statement announcing that Gerrard would go for 'mutual consent'.
Steven Gerrard has published a statement after he started from the Saudi Pro League al-Ettifaq team
The former star of England leaves the club in the middle of a shape of form with only 1 victory in the league in her last 11 games
Gerrard arrived at Al-Ettifaq in the summer of 2023 in an agreement worth £ 15 million per year
Despite a disappointing end for his time in charge, Gerrard insisted on a statement after his departure to work in Saudi Arabia had been a “positive experience” for him and his family.
I Soccer Mr. Hatim.
'I express my gratitude for Mr. Samer and Mr. Hatim from the first day I was welcome, and I enjoyed the opportunity to work in a new country with a different culture.
'So in general I have learned a lot and it has been a positive experience personally and also for my family, but football is unpredictable, sometimes things do not come out in the way we want.
'However, I go with great respect for the club and the country.
“I have no doubt that the work that is done will bring success in the future, and I wish the team the best for the rest of the season.”
Al-Ettifaq currently sits 12th in the league table, just five points above the descent zone.
After Gerrard's departure, the social media accounts of the English language of the club paid tribute to the former England midfielder with a 45 -second video on social networks.