Topics: Liverpool, Saudi Pro League, Steven Gerrard, Fan Reactions
Steven Gerrard has gone viral for his attempt at speaking Arabic after Al Ettifaq confirmed him as their new manager.
Gerrard had been out of work since being dismissed by Aston Villa in October and had a number of offers on the table.
A proposal from Saudi Arabia was rumoured and then confirmed by Gerrard, who visited the Middle East country but then said he would not be accepting the offer in June.
However, talks resumed and the former Liverpool and England captain appears to have had a change of heart after a slew of high-profile players moved to the Saudi Pro League for eye-watering money.
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The ex Rangers boss has penned a two-year contract with Al Ettifaq, who finished seventh in last season's SPL.
His appointment was announced by the club on Monday and was followed up by a video of Gerrard trying his hand at the language.
In a selfie-shot clip, the 43-year-old addressed the club's fans and spoke Arabic, with his phrase translated to: "I am Steven Gerrard. I am an Ettifaqi. See you soon.”
But while Gerrard should be commended for giving it a go, his thick Scouse accent naturally prompted reaction aplenty on social media.
One fan laughed: "The Scouse arabic has me cryingggggg."
A second said: "The Scouse accent and Arabic language is something I never thought I'd hear in my life.
Another wrote: "This is worse than when Joey Barton put on that French accent and thought he was speaking French."
A fourth user joked: "Me during my Spanish GCSE Speaking exam."
A fifth said: "Scouse Arabic wasn’t something I thought I was gonna see today but kinda like tbh.”
A final supporter quipped: "Just told whole of Saudi Arabia he likes playing football with his mates and his favourite colour is green."
In Saudi, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) have taken 75% control of the SPL's four leading teams - Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Hilal and Al Nassr.
Al Ettifaq are based in Dammam, the fourth-largest city in Saudi after Riyadh, Jeddah, and Mecca - and the capital of the Eastern Province.
Saudi clubs are still actively looking to disrupt global football following on from the additions of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Ruben Neves, N'Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly and Marcelo Brozovic.
A slew of other household names are being courted, while Fulham boss Marco Silva is said to have turned down a £17 million offer to take charge of Al Hilal, Saudi's most successful club.
