England's Jordan Henderson Reflects on "Tough Periods" Post Saudi Switch

Jordan Henderson playing for Brentford
Jordan Henderson has started multiple Premier League matches for Brentford during the current campaign

England midfielder Jordan Henderson admits he has faced "difficult moments" since leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and acknowledges he could "taken different decisions".

The veteran midfielder received backlash for leaving Liverpool in 2023 to join Al-Ettifaq in a nation where same-sex relationships are against the law.

Henderson had previously been a prominent champion of LGBTQ+ rights and said sorry for disappointing or offending people in the community members when he exited Saudi Arabia to sign with Ajax following a six-month period.

International Career and Reflections

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

"I don't believe it was the factor why I didn't make the Euros," Henderson remarked. "While I was in Saudi I believe I was in every camp before the Euros."

"Regarding timing, with the situation in hindsight, yes - perhaps I would have made different decisions."

"But at the period that's how I believed and the decision I made was for numerous reasons and only I know them reasons."

Personal Struggles

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

"Of course I'm not flawless and I've made errors in the past. Certainly I will have throughout my career."

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

England Career

Henderson has earned 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 a lot to provide on the pitch.

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

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

Ryan Stevens III
Ryan Stevens III

A tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for exploring emerging technologies and their impact on society.