Steven Gerrard snubs mega money to keep career alive as Rangers return chatter surges
The Liverpool icon is eyeing a route back into the game after an ill-fated spell in the Saudi Pro League
Head of the Al-Ettifaq football committee Hatim Al-Mashaal has claimed Steven Gerrard gave up £10million to leave the club and keep his management career alive.
The former Rangers boss and Marco Rose are the firm joint favourites for the permanent gig beyond the tenure of interim boss Barry Ferguson with oddsmakers.
Some reports suggest the return of the Liverpool icon is the "most likely" scenario to happen when American pharmaceutical tycoon Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises take control of the club.
Gerrard has been out of work after leaving Ettifaq earlier this season with the club plummeting towards the Saudi Pro League drop zone.
His time in the Middle East followed up an ill-fated spell in the Premier League with Aston Villa - after he left Ibrox in 2021 - with the Midlands outfit also facing a scrap at the foot of the table before Gerrard was shown the door.
Speaking to the 'Our Club' programme in Saudi, Al-Mashaal has claimed that Gerrard knew he was rapidly approaching a crossroads in his career.
He said: "Gerrard waived his dues in order to leave Al-Ettifaq. 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."
Rangers legend Ally McCoist has warned Gerrard that he must follow Frank Lampard - who has found success at Coventry City - and get his return to the dugout right.
He told talkSPORT Bet: "It’s absolutely vital that his next job is the right one. It didn’t quite work out at Villa or in Saudi.
"It’s similar to Frank Lampard—his move to Coventry has been crucial in getting his managerial career back on track. Steven’s in that same position. His next step needs to be spot on."
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