STEVEN GERRARD waived £10million in order to avoid getting a relegation on his CV at Al-Ettifaq, claims the Saudi club’s head of football.
The Liverpool legend, 44, left the Middle Eastern side by mutual consent in January.
GettySteven Gerrard departed Al-Ettifaq in January[/caption]
Having joined Al-Ettifaq in July 2023, Gerrard departed with his side five points above the relegation zone, having won five of 17 matches this season.
Appearing on Saudi programme Our Club, Al-Ettifaq head of football Hatim Al-Mashaal lifted the lid on Gerrard’s exit.
Al-Mashaal said: “Gerrard waived half of his contract with Al-Ettifaq, and the other part has been scheduled.
“He waived £10million because if the club had been relegated with him, it would have caused a crisis in his coaching career.
“So the agreement to leave was a mutual one between the club and the coach.”
Upon leaving his role, Gerrard was philosophical over his exit.
The former England captain said at the time: “Football is unpredictable and sometimes things don’t go the way we want.
“However, I leave with great respect for the club and the country. I have no doubt that the work being done will bring success in the future and I wish the team the very best for the rest of the season.
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“From the first day I was warmly welcomed and I have enjoyed the chance to work in a new country with a different culture.
“Overall I have learnt a lot and it’s been a positive experience personally and for my family as well.”
Gerrard has been linked with a remarkable return to Rangers this summer.
The Ibrox side have been without a permanent manager since sacking Philippe Clement in February, with Barry Ferguson having acted as interim boss.
Rangers ended their title drought in 2021 under Gerrard’s guidance.
Later that year he quit to join Aston Villa.
Gerrard, 44, won a league title with RangersGetty Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
