Jordan Henderson has compared leaving Liverpool to a break-up and admitted he may have made different decisions regarding his controversial move to Saudi Arabia. The 35-year-old, who left Anfield in 2023 to join Al-Ettifaq, faced widespread criticism for moving to a country where same-sex relationships are illegal, given his previous high-profile support for LGBTQ+ rights.
Henderson, who had been Liverpool captain, ended his 12-year association with the club and says he 'struggled for a period' after the departure. 'It felt like a break-up,' he said. 'It was just difficult.' The midfielder left Saudi Arabia after six months to join Ajax, and this summer returned to the Premier League with Brentford.
The move damaged his reputation and led to him being booed by England fans in October 2023. He also missed out on Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad, though Henderson does not believe it was the direct reason. 'Timing, with everything in hindsight, yes, maybe I would have made different decisions,' he said.
Henderson acknowledged the tough moments of the past two years but said they have made him stronger. 'I'm not perfect and I've made mistakes,' he said. 'But all I've ever tried to do is the right thing.' He also dismissed suggestions that he is merely a 'cheerleader' in the England squad under new manager Thomas Tuchel, pointing out that top coaches would not select him just for that.
