Jordan Henderson Opens Up About "Challenging Periods" Post Saudi Arabia Transfer

English midfielder Jordan Henderson admits he has faced "tough moments" after departing from Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and acknowledges he could "have made different decisions".

The experienced player received backlash for exiting Liverpool in 2023 to join Al-Ettifaq in a nation where same-sex relationships are against the law.

Henderson had previously been a prominent champion of LGBTQ+ rights and expressed regret for upsetting or offending anyone in the community when he exited Saudi Arabia to join Ajax half a year after.

England Career and Reflections

Henderson missed out on Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad but is back to the Premier League with Brentford and England's selection under Thomas Tuchel.

"In my opinion it was the cause why I missed the Euros," Henderson remarked. "While I was in Saudi I think I was in every camp leading up to the Euros."

"Timing, with the situation in hindsight, yes - maybe I would have made different decisions."

"But at the moment that's how I believed and the decision I made was for many different reasons and only I know them reasons."

Emotional Challenges

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

"Certainly I'm not perfect and I've made errors in the past. Certainly I will have throughout my career."

"But all I've ever tried to do is the right thing."

International Career

Henderson has earned 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 thinks he still has a lot to contribute on the pitch.

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

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