Jordan Henderson Reflects on "Difficult Times" After Saudi Switch
England midfielder Jordan Henderson admits he has experienced "difficult moments" after departing from Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and says he might "taken different decisions".
The 35-year-old faced criticism for exiting Liverpool in 2023 to play for Al-Ettifaq in a nation where LGBTQ+ relationships are illegal.
Henderson had previously been a vocal champion of LGBTQ+ rights and apologized for upsetting or upsetting people in the community members when he departed from Saudi Arabia to join Ajax following a six-month period.
International Career and Thoughts
Henderson was left out of Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad but has come back 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 remarked. "When I was in Saudi I feel I was in every camp prior to the Euros."
"Timing, with everything in retrospect, yes - perhaps I would have made different decisions."
"However at the time that's how I believed and the decision I made was for various reasons and only I know them reasons."
Emotional Challenges
"Honestly speaking, over the past few years I have had various tough moments. It seemed like a separation when I left Liverpool."
"Certainly I'm not perfect and I've made mistakes in the past. Certainly I will have over my career."
"But all I've ever attempted to do is the right thing."
England Career
Henderson has won 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 thinks he still has much to provide on the pitch.
"The key people are the coach, the coaching staff and the players and what they think," said Henderson.
"Question them what they believe, if I am a motivator when I am here. I doubt one of the top managers in Europe would be picking me just to do that."
