Jordan Henderson Shares "Difficult Periods" Following Saudi Arabia Move
English player Jordan Henderson reveals he has encountered "difficult moments" after leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and admits he could "have made different decisions".
The experienced player was widely criticized for exiting Liverpool in 2023 to join Al-Ettifaq in a country where homosexuality are criminalized.
Henderson had been known as a high-profile supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and expressed regret for disappointing or upsetting anyone in the LGBTQ+ community when he departed from Saudi Arabia to sign with Ajax six months later.
International Career and Thoughts
Henderson was left out of Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad but is back to the Premier League with Brentford and the national team under Thomas Tuchel.
"I don't believe it was the cause why I missed the Euros," Henderson commented. "When I was in Saudi I believe I was in all the squads prior to the Euros."
"Timing, with all things in retrospect, yes - perhaps I would have taken different decisions."
"However at the moment that's how I believed and the decision I made was for various reasons and only I know them reasons."
Personal Challenges
"I am not going to lie, over the past two years I have had some tough moments. It felt like a break-up when I left Liverpool."
"Certainly I'm not without fault and I've made poor choices in the past. Naturally I will have throughout my career."
"However all I've ever tried to do is the proper thing."
International Career
Henderson has won 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 believes he still has plenty to offer on the pitch.
"The most important people are the manager, the backroom staff and the players and what they believe," said Henderson.
"Inquire with them what they believe, if I am a supporter when I am here. I doubt one of the top managers in Europe would be picking me just to do that."