OFFICIAL: Steven Gerrard has been appointed as the new head coach of Al Ettifaq

Steven Gerrard returns to management as Liverpool legend joins Saudi club.

Steven Gerrard has returned to management in Saudi Arabia after playing hardball with his new employers.

The former Rangers and Aston Villa boss has been announced as the new head coach of Al-Ettifaq - a matter of weeks after suggesting their contract offer wasn’t up to scratch.

Having originally said he would not be joining, Liverpool legend Gerrard will take the reins at the Saudi club with a view to challenging for the title next season.

Speaking earlier this month, Gerrard, who has been out of work since leaving Aston Villa last season, denied he would be taking the job in Saudi.

'I was invited over there to look at a potential offer, I've been analysing that but where I stand right now I won't be taking it on,' he said.

But talks reopened and the former England captain has become the latest in a growing list of high-profile figures to join the Saudi Pro League.

Mail Sport understands Al Ettifaq chiefs, who are currently in London finalising Gerrard's appointment, have convinced Gerrard of their project to become the dominant force in the Saudi Pro League.

Gerrard is set to be followed by a number of high-profile players from Europe in the coming days with the club ready to spend heavily to build a team with the capacity to win trophies.