Jordan Henderson decided to move to Al Ettifaq after feeling left out at Liverpool
Former captain Jordan Henderson has openly stated that it wouldn’t have felt appropriate for him to stay at Liverpool after feeling unwanted at the club.
The midfielder had spent an impressive 12 years with the Reds before his move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq, where he currently plays under the management of Steven Gerrard, his predecessor as Liverpool’s captain.
In a candid interview with The Athletic [as quoted by the BBC], the 33-year-old has opened up about his departure from Merseyside, revealing that he opted to leave Liverpool because he believed that senior figures at the club no longer valued his presence.
When questioned about whether he planned to move to other clubs besides his current team, Henderson said:
“If one of those people [at Liverpool] said to me, ‘Now we want you to stay’, then we wouldn’t be having this conversation. Now, that’s not to say that they forced me out of the club or they were saying they wanted me to leave but at no point did I feel wanted by the club or anyone to stay.”
The former captain’s departure has seen a sudden influx of new midfielders at the club. Although the veteran player is past his prime, it was understandable if the manager wanted to sign young players to bring more energy to the centre of the field.
The idea that money wasn’t the primary factor in Henderson’s decision to leave will be hard for fans to grasp, especially considering what he was leaving behind. After joining Liverpool in 2011 and becoming captain four years later, the midfielder achieved success by winning every major trophy with the club.
His departure understandably sparked criticism from LGBTQ+ supporter groups, who felt disappointed given the English midfielder’s support for their communities during his tenure at Liverpool.
The remarks regarding both the financial aspect and the LGBTQ+ criticism are unlikely to satisfy the fans, as it’s uncommon for a single footballer to bring about a significant shift in a nation’s culture.
Henderson, who was one of the sport’s most influential players, opting to accept the offer from Al-Ettifaq will continue to be a tough pill for many to accept.
He might struggle to regain the trust of many supporters due to his move to his new club. Nevertheless, he made the choice, fully aware of the potential consequences.
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While it’s undeniable that the shadow of this decision will linger, it’s equally crucial to acknowledge his outstanding 12-year contribution to LFC at Anfield. Henderson deserves to be remembered as an exceptional captain who provided excellent service on the pitch.
