Jordan Henderson explains why he left Liverpool for Saudi Arabia

The former Liverpool captain’s summer move to the Saudi Pro League sparked criticism given the country’s poor human rights record.

Jordan Henderson has defended his move to Saudi Arabia and insisted money was not a factor behind his decision.

In July, Henderson pulled the curtain on a 12-year stay at Liverpool. He signed for Saudi team Al Ettifaq, coached by Reds icon Steven Gerrard, in a €14 million deal. The move did not go down well with the LGBTQ+ community, whom Henderson has advocated for over the years.

The Three Lions Pride, an England fan group, plans to protest against Henderson should the midfielder play in the England games against Ukraine or Scotland this month.

“All I’ve ever tried to do is help,” Henderson told The Athletic.

“When I’ve been asked for help, I’ve gone above and beyond to help. I’ve worn the laces. I’ve worn the armband. I’ve spoken to people in that community to try to use my profile to help them. That’s all I’ve ever tried to do.”

“I’m not going to sit here saying, ‘Why are they criticizing me?’ I understand it. These are all the things I was thinking about, and I do care. When I hear stuff like, ‘You’ve turned your back on us’, that hurts me. I do care. I have family and friends in the LGBTQ+ community. …

‘I haven’t changed as a person’

“I’m not one of these people who goes home, forgets about everything, and is like, ‘I’m fine, my family is fine, just crack on.’ I do think about things a lot,” he added.

“But at the same time, I knew people can look at it like that and they’re entitled to their opinion, they’re entitled to feel like that. All I can say is that I apologize, I’m sorry that I’ve made them feel that way. But I haven’t changed as a person.”

Although he is not a politician, Henderson did say that he can use his values to make a positive impact.

The 33-year-old also denied reports that he is earning £700,000 a week. He insisted that while he has a good deal at Al Ettifaq, his move to the club was for sporting reasons.

Moreover, in light of Liverpool ramping up their midfield in the summer, Henderson felt the club no longer wanted him.