Henderson Reflects on Emotional Challenges After Liverpool Exit for Saudi Arabia

by October 7, 2025

Jordan Henderson’s Departure from Liverpool

Jordan Henderson expressed that his departure from Liverpool was akin to a painful separation, stating that his transition to a new chapter with Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia has been filled with “challenging times.” The veteran midfielder, who is 35, faced significant backlash in 2023 following his high-profile transfer, particularly given that he previously championed LGBTQ+ rights—a stance that contrasts sharply with the laws in Saudi Arabia, where same-sex relationships are prohibited.

Struggles and New Beginnings

After a brief tenure in Saudi Arabia, where he struggled with various criticisms and the emotional weight of leaving a club he had long considered home, Henderson sought a fresh start back in Europe. He joined Brentford this summer after cutting short his contract with Ajax just six months in, citing a need to move forward.

“Leaving a club after so many years creates a strong emotional bond, and I felt like it was a breakup,”

he reflected.

“It was a difficult transition, but with time, things do change.”

Challenges in the Aftermath

Henderson admitted that following his exit, he found it hard to engage with English football, especially watching Liverpool matches, humorously noting that he sought solace nearly halfway across the globe. However, his shift to Saudi Arabia did not come without consequences; he was booed by England supporters during two matches at Wembley in October 2023, which could have tarnished his reputation and potentially affected his selection for Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.

“I don’t think it was the reason I missed out on the Euros,”

Henderson clarified, reiterating that he had been present for all training camps before the Euro squad announcement. In hindsight, he acknowledged that he may have reevaluated his decisions surrounding the move.

Growth and Future Aspirations

Despite these challenges, Henderson believes he has emerged a stronger individual and player.

“The last couple of years brought tough lessons, but they taught me a lot about myself,”

he stated. Reflecting on his journey, he hopes to utilize his experiences to grow and support those around him.

Current Role at Brentford

Currently playing under Thomas Tuchel at Brentford, Henderson remains motivated by his skeptics. He dismissed the notion of being merely a supportive figure within the England camp, emphasizing the importance of the relationships he has with the coaching staff and players. Looking ahead, he showed confidence in Jude Bellingham’s ability to recover from setbacks and enhance the team. Henderson defended Bellingham against perceptions of arrogance, highlighting his character and talent as crucial assets to the squad.

“He’s world-class on and off the pitch, and his presence elevates the England team considerably,”

Henderson stated, encouraging a focus on the player’s qualities rather than external narratives.