Jordan Henderson Opens Up About "Challenging Times" Post Saudi Arabia Move
England player Jordan Henderson admits he has faced "difficult moments" after leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and acknowledges he could "taken different decisions".
The 35-year-old faced criticism for departing Liverpool in 2023 to join Al-Ettifaq in a nation where homosexuality are against the law.
Henderson had formerly been a vocal advocate of LGBTQ+ rights and said sorry for upsetting or upsetting members in the community members when he departed from Saudi Arabia to join Ajax six months later.
England Selection and Thoughts
Henderson missed out on 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 believe it was the reason why I was excluded from the Euros," Henderson commented. "While I was in Saudi I believe I was in all the squads before the Euros."
"Regarding timing, with all things in hindsight, yes - possibly I would have made different decisions."
"However at the moment that's how I felt and the decision I made was for numerous reasons and I alone know the rationale."
Personal Challenges
"Honestly speaking, over the past couple of years I have had various tough moments. It was similar to a parting when I left Liverpool."
"Of course I'm not flawless and I've made poor choices in the past. Of course I will have over my career."
"But all I've ever attempted to do is the proper thing."
England 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 plenty to contribute on the pitch.
"The most important people are the coach, the coaching staff and the players and what they believe," said Henderson.
"Ask them what they feel, if I am a cheerleader when I am here. I doubt one of the best managers in Europe would be selecting me just to do that."
