Steven Gerrard has had a successful start to his time at Al-Ettifaq, and he seems to be enjoying himself there based on Instagram posts he’s made while dressed in traditional Saudi attire.
Steven Gerrard has been accused of selling his soul by football fans after being photographed donning a traditional Saudi thawb.
The Saudi National Day, a national holiday in the Gulf state that honors the Kingdom’s name change in 1932, was celebrated by the Liverpool icon, who also serves as manager of Saudi Pro League team Al-Ettifaq. Gerrard posted numerous pictures of himself in the thawb on his club’s Instagram account with the remark, “Suited and booted for #SaudiNationalDay93.”
Fans responded to the post’s comments section where many of them criticized Gerrard for so easily adapting into Saudi society. A commenter said: “People will do anything for money, Stevie NO.”
Stevie’s only here for this fantastic football project, not for any sportswashing whatsoever,” a second remarked sarcastically. What has he changed into, a third person chimed in. “What have Saudi Arabia done to my goat,” a fourth person exclaimed, while a fifth joked, “Give your head to a sheikh, Stevie.” It’s depressing to see Gerrard sell his soul, another person said.
Gerrard accepted an offer from Al-Ettifaq in July, becoming one of several prominent football players to join to the Saudi Pro League this summer. He controversially signed former Reds midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, former Everton player Demarai Gray, and former Celtic star Jack Hendry in addition to his former Liverpool teammate Jordan Henderson.
