Jordan Henderson has said his loyalty to Liverpool remains intact as he prepares to face his former club with Chelsea in the Carabao Cup fourth round at Anfield on Wednesday.
The 36-year-old midfielder, who joined Chelsea on a free transfer this summer, spent 12 years at Liverpool and captained the side for the final eight of those years. He left in 2023 to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq, but stayed only six months before moving to Ajax. After an 18-month spell in the Eredivisie that ended in May 2025, Henderson signed for Brentford and played a key role in their ninth-placed finish last season.
Henderson's Last Anfield Visit
His most recent trip to Anfield came on the final day of last season, when Brentford drew 1-1 with Liverpool. Earlier that campaign, Henderson faced the Reds for the first time since leaving, as Brentford beat Liverpool 3-2 at the Gtech Community Stadium.
After that match, Henderson spoke about his bond with the club: "I was there 12 years, dedicated a lot of my life. My kids were born there, so it holds a special place in my heart. I still want Liverpool to do well - of course not when we're playing them, but overall - and that'll never change."
Renewed Form Under Alonso
Now playing under Xabi Alonso, Henderson has appeared in four Premier League matches this season, scoring two goals and providing one assist. He said: "I'm enjoying the challenge. I think a lot of people spoke about the move when I came but for me I've just got to do my talking on the pitch."
On his role in the team, he added: "It helps when you're playing with top players around you and I feel like the team's really coming together. I don't really think too much about what other people say. I have just as important a role as every other player on the team, I've just got to bring whatever I bring."
Henderson also noted the mutual benefit of his experience: "But they also help me as well. It's not all me coming here to help younger players, younger players can also help experienced players. I'm still learning, and I'm still improving."
Focus on the Pitch
Addressing outside opinions, Henderson said: "There are going to be so many different opinions I just try and use it as fuel, use it as energy, to prove people wrong again. I just want to do my business on the pitch. That's where I do the talking really."
Upon leaving Liverpool, Henderson wrote on social media: "It's hard to put these last 12 years into words and it's even harder to say goodbye. I will always be a Red. Until the day I die. Thank you for everything. You'll never walk alone. Jordan."
