England's Jordan Henderson Opens Up About "Tough Moments" After Saudi Arabia Move
English player Jordan Henderson reveals he has encountered "difficult moments" since leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and admits he could "have made different decisions".
The 35-year-old received backlash for leaving Liverpool in 2023 to join Al-Ettifaq in a nation where LGBTQ+ relationships are criminalized.
Henderson had previously been a prominent supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and expressed regret for upsetting or offending members in the community members when he left Saudi Arabia to move to Ajax half a year after.
England Career and Thoughts
Henderson was omitted from 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 factor why I missed the Euros," Henderson stated. "While I was in Saudi I feel I was in each gathering leading up to the Euros."
"Timing, with everything in retrospect, yes - possibly I would have taken different decisions."
"However at the period that's how I believed and the decision I made was for many different reasons and only I know them reasons."
Emotional Challenges
"To be honest, over the past couple of years I have had various tough moments. It felt like a separation when I left Liverpool."
"Naturally I'm not perfect and I've made errors in the past. Certainly I will have over my career."
"But all I've ever sought 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 thinks he still has plenty to contribute on the pitch.
"The crucial people are the head coach, the coaching staff and the players and what they believe," said Henderson.
"Ask them what they believe, if I am a cheerleader when I am here. I doubt one of the best managers in Europe would be selecting me just to do that."