England's Jordan Henderson Shares "Challenging Periods" Following Saudi Move

Jordan Henderson playing for Brentford
Jordan Henderson has featured in six Premier League fixtures for Brentford this season

England midfielder Jordan Henderson reveals he has experienced "tough moments" since departing from Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and says he might "have made different decisions".

The veteran midfielder was widely criticized for exiting Liverpool in 2023 to sign with Al-Ettifaq in a country where homosexuality are illegal.

Henderson had been known as a vocal champion of LGBTQ+ rights and said sorry for disappointing or upsetting members in the LGBTQ+ community when he exited Saudi Arabia to sign with Ajax half a year after.

England Selection and Reflections

Henderson was left out of Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad but has come back to the Premier League with Brentford and the England squad under Thomas Tuchel.

"I don't believe it was the reason why I didn't make the Euros," Henderson commented. "While I was in Saudi I think I was in each gathering leading up to the Euros."

"Regarding timing, with everything in retrospect, yes - maybe I would have taken different decisions."

"But at the time that's how I thought and the decision I made was for various reasons and only I know them reasons."

Personal Struggles

"I am not going to lie, over the past two years I have had some tough moments. It was similar to a break-up when I left Liverpool."

"Certainly I'm not perfect and I've made poor choices in the past. Certainly I will have over my career."

"However 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 compete against Wales and Latvia this week and believes he still has plenty to offer on the pitch.

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

"Ask them what they believe, if I am a supporter when I am here. I doubt one of the finest managers in Europe would be picking me just to do that."

Emily Johnson
Emily Johnson

Travel enthusiast and automotive expert with over 10 years of experience in the car rental industry, sharing tips and insights for exploring Italy by car.