Dammam, Saudi Arabia — Steven Gerrard, the former midfielder for Liverpool and the England national team, has parted ways with Al-Ettifaq, a football club based in Saudi Arabia, after an 18-month tenure as manager, as announced by the club on Thursday.

According to a statement released by Al-Ettifaq on social media, the decision for Gerrard’s departure was mutual. Earlier this year, in January, Gerrard had extended his contract, committing to the club until 2027.

At the time of his exit, Al-Ettifaq was positioned in 12th place in the Saudi Pro League, which comprises 18 teams. Gerrard’s first season as head coach saw the team finishing in sixth place, showcasing a notable effort during that campaign.

In their statement, Al-Ettifaq acknowledged the challenges faced during Gerrard’s time and expressed that “sometimes things don’t go as planned.” They reaffirmed that the strong foundation set by him would help ensure a promising future for the club. They also highlighted his positive impact, stating that he transformed the club for the better, which will always be remembered.

Before taking the reins at Al-Ettifaq, Gerrard had coaching experiences at Rangers in Scotland and Aston Villa in England. He concluded his playing career in 2016, after spending 17 years with Liverpool and 1.5 seasons with LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer.