Jordan Henderson has recently opened up about his departure from Liverpool in 2023, his subsequent move to Saudi Arabia, and his current career aspirations. In a candid reflection, the midfielder described leaving Liverpool as a "breakup" and confessed that he initially found it difficult to watch Premier League games.
Henderson, who spent 12 years at Anfield, winning both the Premier League and Champions League, admitted the exit was the most challenging period of his professional life. "It was a really tough period when I left Liverpool," Henderson stated, "I was there for a long period of time, 12 years". He confessed that departing was so agonizing that he couldn't bring himself to watch the Reds' matches following his Anfield exit. "I have struggled for a period after that. I certainly couldn't watch Premier League," Henderson said.
Following his Liverpool exit, Henderson made a controversial move to Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League. He now hints at regretting his time there, stating that "in hindsight, maybe I would have made different decisions" regarding his time in Saudi Arabia. In an interview with Dutch publication Het Parool, Henderson admitted that he made a "mistake". "During those five months in Saudi Arabia I learned a lot about myself. What are my motivations? Why do I actually play football?". He added, "The competition in Saudi Arabia is developing and will become bigger, but it doesn't suit me at the moment. I made a mistake".
Henderson's move to Saudi Arabia was met with criticism, especially considering his prior vocal support for the LGBTQ+ community. Homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia, and his move was seen by some as a betrayal of his previous stance. Henderson has stated that he was "really hurt" by the criticism, maintaining that his intention has always been to "help causes and communities".
After just six months in Saudi Arabia, Henderson returned to Europe, signing with Ajax. The club and Al-Ettifaq mutually agreed to terminate his contract. Henderson said that the quick decision was made "for both the overall good of the club and for Jordan". It has been widely reported that Henderson struggled to settle into life in the Middle East.
His move to Amsterdam involved a significant pay cut, as his three-year contract in Saudi Arabia reportedly earned him £700,000 a week. Henderson has since returned to English football, now playing in the Premier League for Brentford. He feels "rehabilitated" and "renascent" in his career.
Henderson has been recalled to the England squad under Thomas Tuchel, with aspirations to prove his worth and participate in the World Cup. He is determined to show he is more than just a "cheerleader". Henderson has earned 85 caps for England.
Looking ahead, Henderson is focused on expressing his emotions on the field and proving his critics wrong. "When people whistle at me, it gives me extra motivation," he said. "Proving critics wrong is a common thread in my career that does not wear out over the years. It's my way of expressing emotions. A passion that belongs to me". He acknowledges that he has faced "tough moments" over the past couple of years but is determined to concentrate on his game.
