Jordan Henderson completed a transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq this summer, marking the end of his 12-year tenure at Liverpool.
Despite becoming one of the most notable players to join the Saudi Pro League, the 33-year-old has refuted suggestions that his move to the Middle East was solely driven by financial motives.
According to Henderson, his decision was influenced by learning that he would have restricted playing opportunities at Anfield, a revelation that emerged from a private conversation with manager Jurgen Klopp.
Henderson shared these details with The Athletic as he said:
“There were a few things that sent alarm bells ringing. I’ve got a very good relationship with Jurgen. He was very honest with me.”
“I won’t go into detail about the conversation because it’s private, but it put me in a position where I knew that I wasn’t going to be playing as much. I knew there were going to be new players coming into my position.
“And if I’m not playing, as anybody will know, especially the manager, that can be quite difficult for me and especially when I’ve been at a club for so long, I’ve captained the team for so long.”
During his impressive 12-year spell at Liverpool, Henderson emerged as one of the team’s most vital players.
He featured in more than 400 matches across various competitions and played a pivotal role in the club’s victories in the Premier League, the Champions League, and both domestic cups.
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Henderson, who became Liverpool’s captain under Jurgen Klopp following Steven Gerrard’s departure in 2015, saw his relationship with the fans sour after his move to the Saudi Pro League.
Supporters expressed displeasure at his choice to join a country where homosexuality is considered a criminal offence, particularly given Henderson’s past advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
While the 33-year-old maintained that his decision wasn’t solely financially driven, it was evidently a significant factor motivating the transfer.
