Jordan Henderson has confessed that he faced some tough moments after his exit from English Premier League champions Liverpool in 2023.
Henderson, 35, ended his 12-year-stay at the Reds in the summer of 2023, when he secured a move to Saudi Arabia to join Al Ettifaq.
The England international was a staunch supporter of the LGBTQ+ rights and was heavily criticized after the move, as the rights were strictly illegal in the Asian nation.
Speaking while on international duty with England as they prepare for their friendly match against Wales at Wembley on Thursday, Henderson revealed the difficulties he faced when he first moved away from England.
“It felt like a breakup. It was just difficult”, Henderson said.
“I think if you asked a lot of players when they leave a club — not just Liverpool — you have been at for so long and have that attachment to, whether you retire or move on, I think for a period of time it’s really difficult.
“That was hard but within time things change, you move on, but I would say that was probably the most difficult time.”
The 35-year-old’s stint at the Saudi Premier League club ended prematurely after only six months, before he returned to Europe to join Ajax Amsterdam in the Dutch Eredivisie.
He has since moved to Brentford, where his impressive displays for the Bees has earned him a recall to the England squad after he missed the 2024 European Champions.
“I don’t think it was the reason why I missed the Euros. When I was in Saudi I think I was in every camp prior to the Euros, so I don’t think it was a reason.
“Timing, with everything in hindsight, yes, maybe I would have made different decisions”, the midfielder added.
“But at the time that’s how I felt and the decision I made was for many different reasons and only I know them reasons, but in the end I’ve just tried to do the right thing that I think that was best.
“I thought it was best to do that at the time and then I thought it was best to come back to Europe and go and play for Ajax.”
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
