Midfielder Henderson Opens Up About "Challenging Times" Post Saudi Move

Jordan Henderson playing for Brentford
Jordan Henderson has featured in six Premier League matches for Brentford in the present term

English midfielder Jordan Henderson reveals he has faced "difficult moments" after leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and says he could "taken different decisions".

The experienced player was widely criticized for leaving Liverpool in 2023 to play for Al-Ettifaq in a country where same-sex relationships are against the law.

Henderson had previously been a prominent advocate of LGBTQ+ rights and apologized for upsetting or hurting people in the community when he exited Saudi Arabia to move to Ajax following a six-month period.

England Selection and Reflections

Henderson missed out on Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad but is back to the Premier League with Brentford and the England squad under Thomas Tuchel.

"I don't believe it was the reason why I didn't make the Euros," Henderson remarked. "While I was in Saudi I believe I was in each gathering prior to the Euros."

"Regarding timing, with the situation in hindsight, yes - possibly I would have made different decisions."

"However at the time that's how I thought and the decision I made was for many different reasons and only I know the rationale."

Personal Struggles

"I am not going to lie, over the past two years I have had some tough moments. It was similar to a parting when I left Liverpool."

"Certainly I'm not without fault and I've made poor choices in the past. Certainly I will have over my career."

"However all I've ever sought to do is the proper thing."

International Career

Henderson has earned 85 caps since making his England debut against France in 2010.

He is in Tuchel's squad to play Wales and Latvia this week and thinks he still has much to offer on the pitch.

"The most important people are the manager, the backroom staff and the players and what they believe," said Henderson.

"Ask them what they believe, if I am a supporter when I am here. I don't think one of the top managers in Europe would be choosing me just to do that."

Roberto Arnold
Roberto Arnold

A seasoned crypto analyst with over a decade of experience in blockchain technology and digital finance, passionate about educating investors.