Jordan Henderson Opens Up About Move to Saudi Arabia and Backlash from LGBT Groups
In a recent interview with The Athletic, Jordan Henderson, the former Liverpool captain, defended his decision to move to Saudi Arabia and addressed the backlash he has received from LGBT groups. Henderson also clarified the reported huge sums of money he was offered for the move and expressed his commitment to supporting causes close to his heart.
Money Was Not the Motivating Factor
Contrary to the rumors, Henderson denied earning £700,000-a-week at Al Ettifaq. He emphasized that money was never mentioned during his discussions with manager Steven Gerrard about the move. The midfielder made it clear that his decision was driven by a desire to continue playing regular football and maintain his passion for the game.
A Shift at Liverpool
Henderson revealed that he felt a “shift” at Liverpool over the summer after having honest conversations with Jurgen Klopp about his role in the team. While he cherished his time at Liverpool, he believed it was time to move on and seek new challenges. The midfielder’s decision was not taken lightly, as he weighed the potential impact on his career and personal growth.
The Hurtful Criticism
The widespread criticism Henderson has received, including from people and causes he supports, has deeply hurt him. However, he made it clear that his support for these causes remains unwavering. Henderson acknowledged the importance of constructive dialogue and understanding different perspectives. He hopes that his move to Saudi Arabia can be seen as a positive step towards promoting change and opening up discussions around important issues.
A Positive Change
Henderson sees his move to Saudi Arabia as an opportunity to create positive change. He emphasized that the Saudi side was aware of his beliefs, causes, and campaigns before signing him. They never imposed any restrictions or limitations on him. Henderson draws inspiration from the impact of hosting the World Cup in Qatar, which led to changes in rules and regulations. While he acknowledges that he is not a politician and does not have the power to change laws, he believes that his values remain constant regardless of the country he is in.
Supporting Causes Close to His Heart
Throughout his career, Henderson has been actively involved in supporting various causes. He has used his platform to raise awareness and make a difference. Despite the move to Saudi Arabia, Henderson remains committed to supporting causes close to his heart. He understands the importance of staying true to his values and using his influence to promote positive change.
Conclusion
Jordan Henderson’s move to Saudi Arabia has sparked controversy and criticism from various quarters. However, in his recent interview, he defended his decision and clarified misconceptions about the financial aspects of the move. Henderson emphasized that his values and commitment to supporting causes remain unchanged. He sees his move as an opportunity to create positive change and hopes that it can contribute to opening up discussions around important issues. As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, Henderson remains focused on his passion for football and making a difference both on and off the field.