Midfielder Henderson Shares "Tough Moments" Post Saudi Transfer
English midfielder Jordan Henderson admits he has faced "tough moments" after leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and admits he might "taken different decisions".
The experienced player received backlash for exiting Liverpool in 2023 to sign with Al-Ettifaq in a nation where homosexuality are criminalized.
Henderson had been known as a vocal 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.
England Selection 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 factor why I was excluded from the Euros," Henderson commented. "When I was in Saudi I think I was in every camp leading up to the Euros."
"Timing, with everything in retrospect, yes - maybe I would have taken different decisions."
"But at the moment that's how I felt and the decision I made was for various reasons and solely I know them reasons."
Emotional Challenges
"To be honest, over the past two years I have had some tough moments. It felt like a parting when I left Liverpool."
"Naturally I'm not perfect and I've made poor choices 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 play Wales and Latvia this week and feels he still has plenty to contribute on the pitch.
"The most important people are the head coach, the backroom staff and the players and what they think," said Henderson.
"Ask them what they feel, if I am a motivator when I am here. I don't think one of the top managers in Europe would be selecting me just to do that."