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Steven Gerrard wanted Championship management position before agreeing to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq but reveals he never heard back from potential opportunities

Steven Gerrard has revealed that he was spurned by two Championship clubs ahead of his move to Saudi Arabia.

The Liverpool legend, speaking after his Al-Ettifaq side secured an upset, opening 2-1 victory over a Cristiano Ronaldo-less Al-Nassr, said he headed to the Middle East after failing to hear back from the pair, believed to be Leicester City and Leeds United.

‘I had a couple of other things on the table at Championship level and I had to make a decision what I believed was right for me,’ ex-Glasgow Rangers and Aston Villa boss Gerrard explained when asked why he did not agree to come to Saudi when he was first approached.