England's Jordan Henderson Shares "Tough Periods" After Saudi Switch

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

English player Jordan Henderson reveals he has experienced "tough moments" after leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and says he could "have made different decisions".

The experienced player was widely criticized for exiting Liverpool in 2023 to play for Al-Ettifaq in a country where homosexuality are against the law.

Henderson had formerly been a prominent advocate of LGBTQ+ rights and apologized for upsetting or offending people in the community members when he left Saudi Arabia to move to Ajax half a year after.

England Selection and Reflections

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

"I don't think it was the cause why I didn't make the Euros," Henderson remarked. "When I was in Saudi I feel I was in all the squads leading up to the Euros."

"Regarding timing, with everything in retrospect, yes - possibly I would have made different decisions."

"But at the time that's how I thought and the decision I made was for various reasons and solely I know them reasons."

Personal Struggles

"To be honest, over the past couple of years I have had some tough moments. It seemed like a break-up when I left Liverpool."

"Naturally I'm not without fault and I've made errors in the past. Naturally I will have during my career."

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

England Experience

Henderson has gained 85 caps since making his England debut against France in 2010.

He is in Tuchel's squad to face Wales and Latvia this week and feels he still has plenty to provide on the pitch.

"The key people are the coach, the backroom staff and the players and what they think," said Henderson.

"Inquire with them what they feel, if I am a supporter when I am here. I don't think one of the finest managers in Europe would be selecting me just to do that."

Ryan Reese
Ryan Reese

Wildlife photographer and conservationist with over 15 years of experience documenting ecosystems across North America and advocating for environmental protection.