Jordan Henderson Did Not Feel Wanted And Feels Saudi Transfer is “Positive”

Jordan Henderson believes that his move to Saudi Arabia is “positive” and reveals that he did not feel wanted at Liverpool.

The former captain left Merseyside to join Al Ettifaq for £12 million, reuniting with ex-Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard in what was one of the most surprising transfers of the window.

In a 12-year career at the Reds, he lifted the Premier League and the Champions League and was widely considered one of the most influential captains.

He joined a host of players leaving the big leagues for Saudi Arabia including the likes of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Neymar and Aymeric Laporte.

Henderson revealed that after a conversation with Jurgen Klopp, he knew he would not be playing as much.

“There were a few things that sent alarm bells ringing. I’ve got a very good relationship with Jurgen [Klopp]. He was very honest with me. I won’t go into detail about the conversation because it’s private, but it put me in a position where I knew that I wasn’t going to be playing as much.

“If I’m not playing that can be quite difficult for me and especially when I’ve been at a club for so long, I’ve captained the team for so long. Especially when England’s a big thing for me.”

In a hectic window for Liverpool, they signed Alexis MacAllister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Waturo Endo and Ryan Gravenberch in a midfield shuffle which allowed Fabinho, Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to leave.

However, the former Liverpool captain said that no one at the club wanted him to stay.

“If one of those people said to me, “Now we want you to stay”, then we wouldn’t be having this conversation. Now, that’s not to say that they forced me out of the club or they were saying they wanted me to leave but at no point did I feel wanted by the club or anyone to stay.”

The England midfielder chose Saudi Arabia after nothing “excited” him in Europe, seeking a new challenge. However, many feel he chose the league for money.

“People can believe me or not, but in my life and my career, money has never been a motivation. Ever. Everything I spoke to Stevie [Gerrard] about was football and the project.”

What has made fans angry and in an uproar, however, was Henderson saying his move would be “positive”, and the amount of backlash he received has been monumental.

When pressed by The Athletic journalists, he responded: “I’m not a politician. Now, I see that as a positive thing. I see that because, from their [Saudi] side, they knew that before signing it.”

He also confirmed that he would not wear the rainbow laces in Saudi, a campaign he was at the centre of, because he wouldn’t want to offend the people of Saudi Arabia.

His introductory video to Al Ettifaq greyed out his rainbow laces in the promotional video.

LGBTQ+ groups have criticised the interview, claiming that the 33-year-old has turned his back on them and fans feel that he has caused irreparable damage to his reputation in Liverpool and in England.

He is currently representing England in international fixtures.

To stay up to date with all things football and sports, follow @DubSports and @AlexDriscoll99 on Twitter/X.