England's Jordan Henderson Reflects on "Difficult Moments" After Saudi Arabia Move

Jordan Henderson playing for Brentford
Jordan Henderson has started multiple Premier League games for Brentford this season

England midfielder Jordan Henderson admits he has encountered "difficult moments" after leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and says he might "have made different decisions".

The experienced player received backlash for leaving Liverpool in 2023 to play for Al-Ettifaq in a country where homosexuality are illegal.

Henderson had been known as a high-profile advocate of LGBTQ+ rights and apologized for upsetting or upsetting members in the community members when he departed from Saudi Arabia to sign with Ajax six months later.

England Career and Thoughts

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

"In my opinion it was the cause why I was excluded from the Euros," Henderson stated. "When I was in Saudi I think I was in each gathering before the Euros."

"Regarding timing, with the situation in looking back, yes - perhaps I would have taken different decisions."

"However at the time that's how I believed and the decision I made was for various reasons and solely I know those reasons."

Personal Struggles

"Honestly speaking, over the past few years I have had some tough moments. It felt like a parting when I left Liverpool."

"Certainly I'm not without fault and I've made mistakes in the past. Of course I will have during my career."

"But all I've ever sought to do is the proper thing."

International Experience

Henderson has gained 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 thinks he still has plenty to provide on the pitch.

"The most important people are the head coach, the coaching staff and the players and what they think," said Henderson.

"Question them what they feel, if I am a supporter when I am here. I doubt one of the best managers in Europe would be selecting me just to do that."

Julie Murphy
Julie Murphy

A passionate football journalist with over a decade of experience covering Serie A and local Verona teams.