Midfielder Henderson Shares "Challenging Periods" Post Saudi Arabia Transfer
England player Jordan Henderson reveals he has experienced "tough moments" after departing from Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and acknowledges he might "taken different decisions".
The veteran midfielder faced criticism for departing Liverpool in 2023 to join Al-Ettifaq in a country where LGBTQ+ relationships are criminalized.
Henderson had been known as a prominent champion of LGBTQ+ rights and said sorry for letting down or upsetting members in the LGBTQ+ community when he left Saudi Arabia to sign with Ajax following a six-month period.
England Career and Reflections
Henderson was left out of Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad but is back to the Premier League with Brentford and the England squad under Thomas Tuchel.
"I don't believe it was the factor why I missed the Euros," Henderson stated. "While I was in Saudi I think I was in each gathering before the Euros."
"Timing-wise, with everything in looking back, yes - maybe I would have taken different decisions."
"However at the moment that's how I believed and the decision I made was for numerous reasons and I alone know them reasons."
Personal Struggles
"I am not going to lie, over the past couple of years I have had some tough moments. It was similar to a parting when I left Liverpool."
"Naturally I'm not without fault and I've made poor choices in the past. Certainly I will have over my career."
"But 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 feels he still has much to contribute on the pitch.
"The crucial people are the manager, the coaching staff and the players and what they think," said Henderson.
"Ask them what they believe, if I am a cheerleader when I am here. I don't think one of the finest managers in Europe would be picking me just to do that."