Steven Gerrard signs new deal with Al Ettifaq despite Jordon Henderson exit

Steven Gerrard has agreed a contract extension that could see him remain as manager of the Saudi Pro League club Al Ettifaq until at least 2027.

The former Rangers and Aston Villa coach moved to Saudi Arabia on a two-year deal in the summer after initially turning down the role.

But it has been a challenging start for Gerrard whose team are currently eighth in the table 28 points behind leaders Al-Hilal, having not win a game since October.

And just this week, captain and fellow summer arrival from England, midfielder Jordan Henderson, quit the club to join Dutch giants Ajax after playing just 19 games for Ettifaq.

But despite the problems experienced on the pitch, Ettifaq appear impressed with the progress made off it and former Liverpool and England captain Gerrard has committed himself to a long-term stay in the kingdom.

“As a club we know where we want to go and we know we want Steven to lead us on the journey ahead,” said club president Samer Al Misehal.

“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.”

Steven Gerrard on new deal at Al Ettifaq: ‘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 club to.

‘We want to build a special club & build an elite culture around the team & squad.’pic.twitter.com/cHu03jVHQi

As for Gerrard, the 43-year-old acknowledged the