Jordan Henderson Shares "Challenging Times" Following Saudi Arabia Transfer

Jordan Henderson playing for Brentford
Jordan Henderson has played in six Premier League games for Brentford during the current campaign

England midfielder Jordan Henderson states he has experienced "tough moments" since departing from Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and acknowledges he could "have made different decisions".

The 35-year-old received backlash for departing Liverpool in 2023 to join Al-Ettifaq in a nation where homosexuality are illegal.

Henderson had been known as a prominent champion of LGBTQ+ rights and apologized for disappointing or offending members in the community when he departed from Saudi Arabia to sign with Ajax six months later.

England Selection and Thoughts

Henderson was omitted from Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad but has returned 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. "When I was in Saudi I believe I was in every camp leading up to the Euros."

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

"However at the period that's how I thought and the decision I made was for numerous reasons and solely I know them reasons."

Personal Struggles

"To be honest, over the past few years I have had some tough moments. It felt like a break-up when I left Liverpool."

"Of course I'm not perfect and I've made poor choices in the past. Naturally I will have during my career."

"But all I've ever tried to do is the right thing."

England Career

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

He is in Tuchel's squad to face Wales and Latvia this week and feels he still has plenty to provide on the pitch.

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

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

Yesenia Brandt
Yesenia Brandt

A passionate architect and sustainability advocate with over a decade of experience in green building design and eco-conscious construction practices.