Jordan Henderson Opens Up About "Tough Moments" Following Saudi Arabia Transfer
England player Jordan Henderson reveals he has faced "challenging moments" after leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and says he might "taken different decisions".
The 35-year-old received backlash for exiting Liverpool in 2023 to sign with Al-Ettifaq in a country where LGBTQ+ relationships are criminalized.
Henderson had been known as a high-profile advocate of LGBTQ+ rights and expressed regret for letting down or hurting people in the community when he left Saudi Arabia to join Ajax six months later.
International Career and Thoughts
Henderson missed out on Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad but has returned to the Premier League with Brentford and England's selection under Thomas Tuchel.
"In my opinion it was the cause why I missed the Euros," Henderson stated. "When I was in Saudi I think I was in all the squads prior to the Euros."
"Timing, with all things in looking back, yes - perhaps I would have taken different decisions."
"However at the moment that's how I thought and the decision I made was for many different reasons and only I know them reasons."
Personal Challenges
"I am not going to lie, over the past few years I have had several tough moments. It was similar to a parting when I left Liverpool."
"Certainly I'm not perfect and I've made poor choices in the past. Naturally I will have over my career."
"However all I've ever attempted to do is the right 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 much to provide on the pitch.
"The key people are the manager, the backroom staff and the players and what they feel," said Henderson.
"Ask them what they feel, if I am a supporter when I am here. I don't think one of the finest managers in Europe would be picking me just to do that."