Midfielder Henderson Shares "Tough Periods" Following Saudi Arabia Move

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

English midfielder Jordan Henderson reveals he has experienced "challenging moments" after leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and admits he might "taken different decisions".

The 35-year-old was widely criticized for exiting Liverpool in 2023 to play for Al-Ettifaq in a nation where LGBTQ+ relationships are against the law.

Henderson had formerly been a high-profile champion of LGBTQ+ rights and apologized for upsetting or offending members in the community members when he left Saudi Arabia to move to Ajax following a six-month period.

International Selection and Reflections

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

"In my opinion it was the cause why I missed the Euros," Henderson stated. "When I was in Saudi I believe I was in all the squads prior to the Euros."

"Timing-wise, with the situation in retrospect, yes - maybe I would have taken different decisions."

"However at the period that's how I believed and the decision I made was for various reasons and only I know those reasons."

Personal Challenges

"I am not going to lie, over the past couple of years I have had several tough moments. It seemed like a break-up when I left Liverpool."

"Of course I'm not flawless and I've made mistakes in the past. Naturally I will have throughout my career."

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

International 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 offer on the pitch.

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

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

Melissa Wright
Melissa Wright

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