Jordan Henderson Shares "Challenging Periods" Post Saudi Arabia Switch
England player Jordan Henderson reveals he has experienced "challenging moments" after departing from Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and admits he might "taken different decisions".
The veteran midfielder received backlash for leaving Liverpool in 2023 to play for Al-Ettifaq in a country where homosexuality are illegal.
Henderson had previously been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and expressed regret for disappointing or upsetting people in the community members when he departed from Saudi Arabia to join Ajax following a six-month period.
England Selection and Reflections
Henderson was left out of 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 believe it was the reason why I missed the Euros," Henderson remarked. "While I was in Saudi I think I was in every camp prior to the Euros."
"Timing, with all things in hindsight, yes - possibly I would have taken different decisions."
"But at the time that's how I believed and the decision I made was for many different reasons and solely I know the rationale."
Personal Challenges
"I am not going to lie, over the past couple of years I have had some tough moments. It felt like a parting when I left Liverpool."
"Naturally I'm not without fault and I've made poor choices in the past. Certainly I will have over my career."
"But all I've ever attempted 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 compete against Wales and Latvia this week and believes he still has plenty to offer on the pitch.
"The key people are the coach, the backroom staff and the players and what they think," said Henderson.
"Inquire with them what they think, if I am a motivator when I am here. I don't think one of the best managers in Europe would be selecting me just to do that."