🔗 Share this article

England player Jordan Henderson states he has experienced "tough moments" after departing from Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and acknowledges he could "taken different decisions".

The veteran midfielder faced criticism for departing Liverpool in 2023 to join Al-Ettifaq in a nation where homosexuality are against the law.

Henderson had formerly been a prominent champion of LGBTQ+ rights and expressed regret for upsetting or offending people in the community members when he exited 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 has come back to the Premier League with Brentford and England's selection under Thomas Tuchel.

"I don't think it was the factor why I was excluded from the Euros," Henderson remarked. "While I was in Saudi I believe I was in each gathering before the Euros."

"Regarding timing, with everything in looking back, yes - perhaps I would have taken different decisions."

"But at the moment that's how I thought and the decision I made was for numerous reasons and only I know those 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 break-up when I left Liverpool."

"Of course I'm not without fault and I've made errors in the past. Certainly I will have during my career."

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

International Career

Henderson has earned 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 feels 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 feel," said Henderson.

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