Jordan Henderson Opens Up About "Challenging Periods" Following Saudi Arabia Transfer
England midfielder Jordan Henderson reveals he has experienced "challenging moments" since departing from Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and admits he might "taken different decisions".
The veteran midfielder faced criticism for leaving Liverpool in 2023 to sign with Al-Ettifaq in a country where homosexuality are illegal.
Henderson had formerly been a high-profile supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and said sorry for upsetting or hurting anyone in the community members when he left Saudi Arabia to join Ajax half a year after.
International Career and Thoughts
Henderson missed out on Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad but has returned to the Premier League with Brentford and the national team under Thomas Tuchel.
"I don't think it was the factor why I was excluded from the Euros," Henderson stated. "When I was in Saudi I think I was in every camp leading up to the Euros."
"Regarding timing, with everything in hindsight, yes - perhaps I would have taken different decisions."
"However at the period that's how I felt and the decision I made was for many different reasons and only I know them reasons."
Personal Struggles
"Honestly speaking, over the past two years I have had several tough moments. It seemed like a break-up when I left Liverpool."
"Certainly I'm not without fault and I've made poor choices in the past. Certainly I will have during my career."
"However all I've ever sought to do is the correct thing."
International Career
Henderson has earned 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 contribute on the pitch.
"The key people are the manager, the coaching staff and the players and what they think," said Henderson.
"Question them what they feel, if I am a motivator when I am here. I don't think one of the finest managers in Europe would be selecting me just to do that."