Midfielder Henderson Shares "Difficult Moments" Following Saudi Arabia Move
England player Jordan Henderson reveals he has faced "difficult moments" after leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and acknowledges he might "taken different decisions".
The veteran midfielder faced criticism for leaving Liverpool in 2023 to play for Al-Ettifaq in a nation where homosexuality are criminalized.
Henderson had previously been a high-profile champion of LGBTQ+ rights and apologized for disappointing or offending people in the community members when he departed from Saudi Arabia to join Ajax following a six-month period.
International Selection and Reflections
Henderson missed out on Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad but is back to the Premier League with Brentford and the national team under Thomas Tuchel.
"I don't think it was the reason why I didn't make the Euros," Henderson commented. "While I was in Saudi I think I was in every camp leading up to the Euros."
"Regarding timing, with all things in hindsight, yes - possibly I would have taken different decisions."
"But at the moment that's how I felt and the decision I made was for numerous reasons and I alone know them reasons."
Emotional Challenges
"I am not going to lie, over the past two years I have had some tough moments. It was similar to a separation when I left Liverpool."
"Of course I'm not perfect and I've made errors in the past. Naturally I will have during my career."
"However all I've ever attempted to do is the correct thing."
International Career
Henderson has won 85 caps since making his England debut against France in 2010.
He is in Tuchel's squad to play Wales and Latvia this week and thinks he still has plenty to provide on the pitch.
"The key people are the head coach, the technical staff and the players and what they believe," said Henderson.
"Inquire with them what they feel, if I am a cheerleader when I am here. I don't think one of the finest managers in Europe would be picking me just to do that."