Steven Gerrard is set to snub a return to Rangers after the former Liverpool captain held talks with the Scottish Premiership club earlier this month
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AD DAMMAM, SAUDI ARABIA - NOVEMBER 02: Steven Gerrard, Head Coach of Al-Ettifaq FC, acknowledges the fans during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Ettifaq and Al-Qadsiah at Al Ettifaq Stadium on November 02, 2024 in Ad Dammam, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
AD DAMMAM, SAUDI ARABIA - NOVEMBER 02: Steven Gerrard, Head Coach of Al-Ettifaq FC, acknowledges the fans during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Ettifaq and Al-Qadsiah at Al Ettifaq Stadium on November 02, 2024 in Ad Dammam, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Ex-Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will not be returning to Rangers(Image: Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Steven Gerrard has reportedly withdrawn from the running to become Rangers' next manager, choosing instead to remain with his family in the Middle East.
The 44-year-old Liverpool legend was heavily rumoured to be making a return to Ibrox, nearly four years after leaving the Scottish giants to join Premier League side Aston Villa.
Gerrard enjoyed a successful three-year stint in Glasgow, which marked his first managerial role. He led Rangers to their first Scottish Premiership title since the club's liquidation in 2012.
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Following the dismissal of Philippe Clement earlier this year, Gerrard was seen as a leading contender to replace the Belgian. However, former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson was appointed on an interim basis, with the club deciding to reassess the situation at the end of the season, following Celtic's title win.
As the season concludes, Gerrard's name continues to circulate. Former Rangers chairman Dave King personally endorsed the ex-England international for the job, over Davide Ancelotti, son of Carlo, and Russell Martin, who was dismissed by Southampton in December.
However, it appears Gerrard has other plans. According to The Record (via the Mirror) ex-Reds captain has been struggling to persuade his wife, Alex, to leave their luxurious home in Bahrain.
Gerrard's family relocated to the Middle East in 2023 when he took up the managerial role at Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq. He stepped down from his position in January and recently engaged in preliminary discussions with Rangers' top brass before requesting additional time to contemplate a return to the UK.
Now, according to the Scottish newspaper, the duo have opted to remain in Bahrain for at least another year. It's believed that their decision isn't influenced by tax considerations, as Gerrard is now exempt from a multi-million pound HMRC fine on the earnings he made during his stint in the Saudi Pro League.
It comes amid confirmation that Gerrard has lined up a new role for this weekend - he will be joining TNT Sports' coverage of the Champions League final.
He has landed a role back with the UK sports broadcaster for this weekend's elite European showpiece between Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain in Munich, Germany.
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