Steven Gerrard Moved To Saudi Arabia For ‘Family Feeling’
According to Steven Gerrard, it was the “family feeling” he got while in Saudi Arabia that convinced him to take a job in the Middle Eastern country.
The England midfield legend-turned-manager recently made headlines when he accepted a managerial position with Saudi Pro League club Al Ettifaq. It was surprising, considering Gerrard’s previous comments that claimed he would not accept the job with Al Ettifaq. However, he quickly pulled a 180 and signed a three-year contract with the Saudi club.
“When I went to Saudi I got a real family feeling,” Gerrard said on Sunday. “It made me actually feel welcomed.”
All Quotes Via ESPN
Gerrard then said that although the footballing project is important, his main concern is the well-being of his family. He claims that this is the most important aspect of choosing a new head coaching position and that his family is excited and ready for Gerrard’s new challenge with Al Ettifaq.
“There are three things I always consider in order — it needs to be right for my family first and foremost. We have to be excited and motivated by the challenge. Secondly I think the football project needs to be ambitious, it needs to be for the right reasons, and then of course you need to feel secure with the contract, but this comes at the very end.”
Really, Steven Gerrard? Really? The family feeling is what convinced you to move your family from your home country of England to Saudi Arabia. Not the £8.1 million ($10.44 million) yearly wage Al Ettifaq is going to be paying you. No, it’s the family feeling. Sure.
I have no problem with Steven Gerrard moving to Saudi Arabia to become Al Ettifaq’s manager. If there is money on the table for you, by all means, go and grab it.
But let’s be real here: He was managing in the Premier League, the best league in the world, not too long ago and definitely would have had another opportunity to manage in the U.K. soon. However, while at Aston Villa, Gerrard was making £5 million a year, a far cry from his new salary with Al Ettifaq.
So, when he suddenly decided to accept the job in Saudi Arabia after previously stating that he would not be moving to the Saudi Pro League, let’s not say it was because of the “family feeling.”
Money talks, and everyone has a price.
Best of luck though, Steven Gerrard. With your 7/4 odds of being sacked this year, we’ll see how long that family feeling over there lasts.
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