Gabby Agbonlahor Makes Hilarious Plea to Steven Gerrard for Al Ettifaq Signing
Steven Gerrard’s appointment as the manager of Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia has caused quite a stir in the football world. The Liverpool legend, who has previously managed Rangers and Aston Villa, is now set to take on a new challenge in the Gulf state. And it seems that former Aston Villa player Gabby Agbonlahor is eager to join him.
In a humorous plea on talkSPORT Breakfast, Agbonlahor expressed his desire to play under Gerrard at Al Ettifaq. He congratulated Gerrard on his new role and called it a great move for a great manager. Agbonlahor then made a case for himself, highlighting that he is two years younger than Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.
Agbonlahor jokingly claimed that he can punch harder than Ricky Hatton and would only cost half of Ruben Neves. He also mentioned his experience in the game and how he could help Gerrard’s players with their speed, movement, and shooting. Agbonlahor ended his plea by saying, “I look forward to seeing what you offer Stevie, come on you Al Ettifaq!”
While Agbonlahor and Gerrard never played together during their careers, they were both part of the same England squads. Agbonlahor defended Gerrard’s decision to move to Saudi Arabia after talkSPORT colleague Simon Jordan claimed that Gerrard’s reputation as a manager is “in the toilet.”
Gerrard will be looking to revitalize his managerial career after a disappointing end to his stint at Aston Villa. His time at Villa concluded in October, and he will now be hoping for success with Al Ettifaq. The team finished seventh in the Saudi Pro League last season, while Ronaldo’s Al Nassr came in second. The league champions were Al Ittihad, led by former Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
Gerrard’s move to Saudi Arabia is part of a growing trend of big-name players and managers making the switch to the Saudi Pro League. Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr at the beginning of 2023 was a major coup for the league. The influx of talent into the league shows no signs of stopping, and Gerrard’s appointment only adds to the excitement.
The Saudi Pro League has been gaining attention in recent years, with its clubs attracting top players from around the world. The league offers lucrative contracts and the opportunity to experience a different footballing culture. Players like Ronaldo and managers like Gerrard are drawn to the challenge and the financial rewards that come with it.
Gerrard’s appointment at Al Ettifaq is a testament to his growing reputation as a manager. Despite some criticism from pundits, he has shown his ability to lead teams and achieve success. His time at Rangers, where he won the Scottish Premiership title, was particularly impressive. Now, he will be looking to make his mark in Saudi Arabia and guide Al Ettifaq to new heights.
As for Agbonlahor, it remains to be seen if his plea to Gerrard will be answered. While it was made in a lighthearted manner, there is no denying that Agbonlahor still has the passion for the game. Whether he joins Al Ettifaq or not, his love for football and his desire to contribute to the sport are evident.
In conclusion, Steven Gerrard’s appointment at Al Ettifaq has generated excitement in the football world. Gabby Agbonlahor’s humorous plea to join him adds an entertaining twist to the story. As Gerrard embarks on his new challenge in Saudi Arabia, fans will be eagerly watching to see how he fares and if he can lead Al Ettifaq to success.