Gerrard Makes Nonsense Of Henderson Departure With New Al Ettifaq Contact

The extension comes on the same day Jordan Henderson left the club, returned to Europe and signed for Ajax Amsterdam.

Henderson spent just six months at Al Ettifaq but failed to settle in the Gulf State before deciding to move on.

Gerrard signed a two-year contract with Al Ettifaq last summer and has them in eight position on the Saudi Pro League, although they have not won in eight matches.

Gerrard said upon signing his new deal: “This is very pleasing for myself and my family and feels like recognition for a lot of hard work and commitment.

“We knew at the beginning this was a big job and a challenging job. We had to put in place new infrastructure like building a new training ground in phases and building a new stadium. But a lot has been achieved.

“It’s a relationship with me and the management team above me, that’s growing, that’s building, it’s getting stronger, and I’m really looking forward to the future.

“In football the priority is always the short term. But importantly, Samer, the new president, came in at the same time as me, and we share a vision. We all know it’s not going to be an overnight fix. But it’s really exciting in terms of where we believe we can get the club to.”

Al Ettifaq president Samer Al Misehal added of Gerrard’s extension: “As a club we know where we want to go and we know we want Steven to lead us on the journey ahead.

“There are no shortcuts to success and Steven’s personal work ethic, his leadership qualities and his commitment to the project has shown everyone at the club just what it will take to compete at the highest level.

“We have a proud history and I believe we are now on the right path to return to former glories. We just have to keep going step by step.

“Steven will be given time and resources to continue on this journey and build something special.”