🔗 Share this article

England midfielder Jordan Henderson states he has experienced "challenging moments" since departing from Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and says he might "have made different decisions".

The veteran midfielder received backlash for departing Liverpool in 2023 to play for Al-Ettifaq in a nation where homosexuality are criminalized.

Henderson had previously been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and expressed regret for upsetting or hurting anyone in the community members when he left Saudi Arabia to move to Ajax six months later.

England Selection and Thoughts

Henderson was left out of Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad but has returned to the Premier League with Brentford and the national team under Thomas Tuchel.

"I don't believe it was the reason why I didn't make the Euros," Henderson remarked. "While I was in Saudi I feel I was in each gathering leading up to the Euros."

"Timing, with all things in looking back, yes - maybe I would have made different decisions."

"However at the period that's how I believed and the decision I made was for various reasons and solely I know them reasons."

Emotional Challenges

"To be honest, over the past couple of years I have had various tough moments. It was similar to a separation when I left Liverpool."

"Naturally I'm not flawless and I've made mistakes in the past. Certainly I will have throughout my career."

"However all I've ever attempted to do is the proper thing."

England Experience

Henderson has gained 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 feels he still has much to offer on the pitch.

"The key people are the head coach, the backroom staff and the players and what they think," said Henderson.

"Inquire with them what they feel, if I am a motivator when I am here. I don't think one of the top managers in Europe would be choosing me just to do that."