Midfielder Henderson Opens Up About "Challenging Moments" Following Saudi Arabia Switch

Jordan Henderson playing for Brentford
Jordan Henderson has started multiple Premier League fixtures for Brentford this season

England midfielder Jordan Henderson reveals he has faced "difficult moments" after departing from Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and acknowledges he could "have made different decisions".

The 35-year-old faced criticism for departing Liverpool in 2023 to sign with Al-Ettifaq in a country where same-sex relationships are illegal.

Henderson had formerly been a vocal champion of LGBTQ+ rights and said sorry for letting down or offending anyone in the community members when he exited Saudi Arabia to join Ajax six months later.

International Selection and Reflections

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

"In my opinion it was the cause why I didn't make the Euros," Henderson remarked. "When I was in Saudi I feel I was in all the squads prior to the Euros."

"Timing, with all things in hindsight, yes - possibly I would have made different decisions."

"But at the moment that's how I thought and the decision I made was for many different reasons and solely I know those reasons."

Emotional Struggles

"To be honest, over the past couple of years I have had several tough moments. It was similar to a parting when I left Liverpool."

"Of course I'm not without fault and I've made errors in the past. Of course I will have over my career."

"However all I've ever attempted to do is the right thing."

England Career

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

He is in Tuchel's squad to compete against Wales and Latvia this week and thinks he still has a lot to provide on the pitch.

"The crucial people are the coach, the coaching staff and the players and what they think," said Henderson.

"Question them what they believe, if I am a supporter when I am here. I doubt one of the finest managers in Europe would be choosing me just to do that."

Nicole Morris
Nicole Morris

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about sharing insights on innovation and self-improvement.