England's Jordan Henderson Reflects on "Difficult Times" Following Saudi Transfer

England player Jordan Henderson admits he has experienced "challenging moments" after leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and says he might "taken different decisions".

The 35-year-old was widely criticized for leaving Liverpool in 2023 to sign with Al-Ettifaq in a country where LGBTQ+ relationships are illegal.

Henderson had formerly been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and said sorry for letting down or offending members in the community members when he left Saudi Arabia to join Ajax six months later.

England Career and Reflections

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

"In my opinion it was the factor why I missed the Euros," Henderson commented. "While I was in Saudi I feel I was in all the squads prior to the Euros."

"Timing, with all things in hindsight, yes - maybe I would have taken different decisions."

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

Personal Struggles

"Honestly speaking, over the past two years I have had various tough moments. It felt like a break-up when I left Liverpool."

"Of course I'm not flawless and I've made errors in the past. Naturally I will have throughout my career."

"However all I've ever sought to do is the right thing."

England Career

Henderson has won 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 offer on the pitch.

"The crucial people are the coach, the backroom staff and the players and what they believe," said Henderson.

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