England's Jordan Henderson Shares "Challenging Periods" After Saudi Arabia Switch

Jordan Henderson playing for Brentford
Jordan Henderson has played in multiple Premier League fixtures for Brentford during the current campaign

England player Jordan Henderson admits he has experienced "difficult moments" after leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and acknowledges he could "taken different decisions".

The experienced player was widely criticized for departing Liverpool in 2023 to play for Al-Ettifaq in a country where homosexuality are illegal.

Henderson had previously been a prominent supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and expressed regret for upsetting or upsetting people in the community members when he left Saudi Arabia to join Ajax six months later.

International Selection and Thoughts

Henderson missed out on 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 think it was the reason why I didn't make the Euros," Henderson stated. "When I was in Saudi I believe I was in each gathering leading up to the Euros."

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

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

Personal Challenges

"To be honest, over the past two years I have had various tough moments. It was similar to a parting when I left Liverpool."

"Naturally I'm not perfect and I've made mistakes in the past. Certainly I will have throughout my career."

"However all I've ever attempted to do is the correct thing."

England 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 offer on the pitch.

"The key people are the manager, the technical staff and the players and what they feel," said Henderson.

"Ask them what they think, if I am a supporter when I am here. I don't believe one of the top managers in Europe would be picking me just to do that."

Joshua Walker
Joshua Walker

A tech enthusiast and writer passionate about innovation and digital culture.