Midfielder Henderson Reflects on "Difficult Times" Following Saudi Move

England midfielder Jordan Henderson admits he has encountered "challenging moments" since leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and admits he might "taken different decisions".

The experienced player was widely criticized for departing Liverpool in 2023 to sign with Al-Ettifaq in a country where same-sex relationships are against the law.

Henderson had previously been a prominent advocate of LGBTQ+ rights and apologized for upsetting or offending people in the community members when he departed from Saudi Arabia to move to Ajax six months later.

England Career and Thoughts

Henderson was left out of Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad but is back to the Premier League with Brentford and the England squad under Thomas Tuchel.

"I don't believe it was the cause why I was excluded from the Euros," Henderson remarked. "While I was in Saudi I feel I was in all the squads leading up to the Euros."

"Regarding timing, with everything in hindsight, yes - possibly I would have made different decisions."

"But at the period that's how I thought and the decision I made was for numerous reasons and solely I know the rationale."

Personal Struggles

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

"Of course I'm not perfect and I've made mistakes in the past. Naturally I will have over my career."

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

International Career

Henderson has gained 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 believes he still has much to contribute on the pitch.

"The most important people are the manager, the coaching staff and the players and what they believe," said Henderson.

"Inquire with 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."