England's Jordan Henderson Opens Up About "Challenging Periods" Following Saudi Move
English player Jordan Henderson admits he has experienced "difficult moments" after leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and acknowledges he could "taken different decisions".
The experienced player received backlash for leaving Liverpool in 2023 to play for Al-Ettifaq in a nation where same-sex relationships are against the law.
Henderson had formerly been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and said sorry for upsetting or hurting members in the community when he left Saudi Arabia to join Ajax six months later.
International Selection and Reflections
Henderson was left out of Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad but is back to the Premier League with Brentford and England's selection under Thomas Tuchel.
"I don't believe it was the cause why I missed the Euros," Henderson stated. "While I was in Saudi I believe I was in all the squads leading up to the Euros."
"Timing-wise, with everything in looking back, yes - possibly I would have taken different decisions."
"However at the period that's how I believed and the decision I made was for various reasons and I alone know those reasons."
Personal Challenges
"Honestly speaking, over the past few years I have had various tough moments. It seemed like a parting when I left Liverpool."
"Of course I'm not flawless and I've made mistakes in the past. Naturally I will have over my career."
"But all I've ever tried to do is the proper thing."
International Experience
Henderson has won 85 caps since making his England debut against France in 2010.
He is in Tuchel's squad to face Wales and Latvia this week and believes he still has much to contribute on the pitch.
"The most important people are the manager, the technical staff and the players and what they think," said Henderson.
"Inquire with them what they feel, if I am a supporter when I am here. I don't believe one of the top managers in Europe would be selecting me just to do that."