England's Jordan Henderson Opens Up About "Tough Moments" Post Saudi Transfer

Jordan Henderson playing for Brentford
Jordan Henderson has played in six Premier League games for Brentford this season

England player Jordan Henderson admits he has encountered "challenging moments" after departing from Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and admits he could "taken different decisions".

The veteran midfielder was widely criticized for exiting Liverpool in 2023 to play for Al-Ettifaq in a nation where homosexuality are against the law.

Henderson had been known as a prominent advocate of LGBTQ+ rights and said sorry for letting down or hurting people in the community when he exited Saudi Arabia to join Ajax six months later.

England Career and Thoughts

Henderson was omitted from Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad but has returned to the Premier League with Brentford and the national team under Thomas Tuchel.

"In my opinion it was the cause why I didn't make the Euros," Henderson remarked. "When I was in Saudi I think I was in all the squads leading up to the Euros."

"Timing-wise, with all things in looking back, yes - maybe I would have made different decisions."

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

Emotional Struggles

"I am not going to lie, over the past few years I have had various tough moments. It felt like a separation when I left Liverpool."

"Of course I'm not flawless and I've made errors in the past. Of course I will have over 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 face Wales and Latvia this week and thinks he still has a lot to contribute on the pitch.

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

"Question them what they think, if I am a motivator when I am here. I doubt one of the finest managers in Europe would be choosing me just to do that."

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