Jordan Henderson has spoken for the first time about his reasons for moving to the Saudi Arabian Pro League and responded to criticism of his decision.
Henderson ended his 12-year spell at Liverpool by joining Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq for around £12 million.
The move was controversial as the 33-year-old, previously a vocal supporter of LGBTQ communities, moved to a country where membership of these groups is considered illegal.
Speaking publicly about the move for the first time, Henderson denied suggestions that his departure was motivated by money and cited a pre-season chat with Jurgen Klopp as a key factor in his thought process.
“I won’t go into the details [of the conversation with Klopp] because it’s private, but it put me in a position where I knew I wasn’t going to play that much. I knew that new players would come in my place, said the former skipper
“Now it’s not that they forced me to leave the club or said they wanted me to leave, but I never felt that the club or anyone wanted to stay.”
On salary requirements and finances, Henderson says,
“The numbers just don’t add up. But again, it had to work for us financially. I’m not saying it didn’t work, and I’m not saying, ‘Oh.’ , I don’t have good money because it is good money and it was a good deal but they were not reported. No.”
Supporters find it hard to accept the notion that money did not play a decisive role in Henderson’s decision because of what he left behind.
After joining the club in 2011 and becoming captain four years later, the midfielder has lifted every major trophy at his disposal in a Liverpool shirt.
It was a move that also understandably sparked a backlash from LGBTQ support groups who felt betrayed by Henderson, who worked as an ally to his communities during his time in Liverpool.
The midfielder admits he has been “hurt” by the criticism he has received and insists he “still” has the values ​​for which he has been so widely praised.
“For people to criticize and say I turned my back on [GLBTQ groups] really, really hurt me,” he continued.
“I think whatever I did, whether I stayed or went, there was always criticism. Basically, I had to make a decision that was best for me and my family. “And obviously the LGBT community. I understand the frustration. I understand the anger.
I got it. All I can say is I’m sorry they feel that way. I never wanted to hurt anyone. My goal has always been to help issues and communities where I felt they asked for my help.
“I think people know what my views and values ​​were before I left and still know. And I think it’s only positive in Saudi Arabia that someone with those views and values.
Comments about money and LGBTQ criticism are unlikely to go down well with supporters, as it is unlikely that one footballer can perceptibly change the culture of a country.
Henderson was one of the sport’s most influential allies, and his decision to accept Al-Ettifaq’s offer will always be hard for many to swallow.
