Steven Gerrard Speaks In Arabic As He Delivers Short Message To Ettifaq Fans

Steven Gerrard delivered a video message to fans of Al-Ettifaq on Monday after being appointed as the Saudi Arabian club's new manager.

Former Liverpool captain Gerrard had suggested last month that he had decided against a move to the Saudi Pro League following initial talks.

But he changed his mind and his appointment was announced on Twitter when Ettifaq's social media team posted a montage of clips from the 43-year-old's stellar playing career.

Hours later, Ettifaq posted another video. This one had been taken by Gerrard himself.

Holding the camera in his right hand, Gerrard spoke publicly in Arabic for the first time in his life.

It was a short message. He said: "Hello, I'm Steven Gerrard. I am an Al-Ettifaqi."

Gerrard then ended the video by speaking in English to say: "See you soon."

Ettifaq are expected to follow Gerrard's appointment with an ambitious recruitment campaign this summer.

While the likes of Al Nassr, Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad have already made marquee signings, Ettifaq are yet to add to a squad that finished seventh in last season's Pro League.

Jordan Henderson, Alvaro Morata and Philippe Coutinho have all been touted as potential signings as Gerrard looks to build a team capable of competing with reigning champions Al-Ittihad.

N'Golo Kante and Karim Benzema have both joined Al-Ittihad since the end of last season.