Dammam (Saudi Arabia), Jan 30 (AP) Former Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard has left his role as manager of Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia after 18 months in charge, the club said on Thursday.

Al-Ettifaq said in a statement on X that it was a mutual decision. In January, Gerrard signed an extension to his contract to stay at the team until 2027.

Also Read | Upendra Yadav Quick Facts: Here’s All You Need to Know About Railways’ Wicketkeeper-Batter Who Starred With 95 Against Delhi on Virat Kohli’s Return in Ranji Trophy 2024-25.

Gerrard leaves with Al-Ettifaq in 12th place in the 18-team Saudi Pro League. In his first season in charge, the team finished in sixth place.

“Sometimes things don't go as planned,” Al-Ettifaq said, “but the firm foundations he helped build will guarantee a bright future in the long term. He changed the club for the better and that will never be forgotten.”

Also Read | ‘When Such a Big Cricketer…’ Railways’ Upendra Yadav Who Scored Solid 95 against Delhi, Shares Thoughts on Virat Kohli’s Grand Return in Ranji Trophy 2024-25.

Gerrard previously coached at Rangers in Scotland and Aston Villa in England. He retired from playing in 2016, having been at Liverpool for 17 years, followed by 1 1/2 seasons with LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer. (AP)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)