Ex-Liverpool star admits Saudi Pro League transfer regrets

Suraj Radia

• 14 Mar 2024 15:39 GMT
• 3 min read

Jordan Henderson has admitted he regrets leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia, with the Ajax midfielder claiming the Gulf league ‘did not suit him’.

Henderson attracted controversy when he joined Al-Ettifaq last summer, with the move criticised due to Saudi Arabia’s policy on homosexuality and the England international being an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights during his time at Liverpool.

The 33-year-old had penned a three-year contract with Steven Gerrard’s side after they paid Liverpool £12 million but he left after just six months, with Henderson waiving the salary he was due to receive in order to depart in for free in January.

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"Everyone has an opinion, some more spicy than others," Henderson told Dutch outlet Parool. “That's fine and part of it. I'm used to it. But people don't know the whole story. Only I know that."

"During those five months in Saudi Arabia I learned a lot about myself. What are my motivations? Why do I actually play football?

“Football is something that is in my blood, I now know. And the competition in Saudi Arabia is developing and will become bigger, but it doesn't suit me at the moment."

Henderson ‘motivated’ by jeers from opposition fans

Henderson went on to join Ajax following his departure from Al-Ettifaq, signing a deal until 2026 with the Dutch giants, whom he has already captained during his short spell in Amsterdam.

Ajax are set to face Aston Villa in the knockout rounds of the Europa Conference League and Henderson revealed that it was those types of games that fuelled his hunger to play football.

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"I live for European nights like against Aston Villa," he said. "I want to cause a big surprise with my teammates. When people whistle at me, it gives me extra motivation.

“Proving critics wrong is a common thread in my career, which does not wear out over the years. It is my way of to express emotions. A passion that belongs to me."

Henderson has won just one game out of his six appearances for Ajax, although the veteran was included in Gareth Southgate’s most recent England squad and is expected to feature for his country at the European Championships this summer.