Jordan Henderson Has No Regrets About Moving to Saudi Arabia Despite Public Backlash

Jordan Henderson, the England midfielder who moved from Liverpool to Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia this summer, has said he has “no regrets” about the transfer despite the public backlash. The 33-year-old was heavily criticised for the move, as homosexuality is illegal in Saudi Arabia, and was booed off the Wembley pitch by England fans during the friendly win over Australia on Friday night.

Henderson had been a high-profile supporter of LGBTQ+ rights during his time at Anfield and last month apologised for any hurt he caused by moving to the country. However, he insists that his beliefs have not changed and he can do good while playing there.

“No regrets,” Henderson said in an interview with Channel 4 when asked about the move. “I think having someone like myself, with the values that I have, in Saudi Arabia is only a good thing. Before I went to Saudi people knew the groups I supported and helped in the past. My values haven’t changed as a person just because I’m going to a different country to play football.”

Public Backlash

The public backlash against Henderson’s move was compounded by an interview he conducted shortly after his move where he claimed the eye-watering wages were not a factor. This led to speculation that he was booed off the Wembley pitch due to his move.

“After the game I got told there was a little bit going on,” Henderson said. “Of course it hurts because every time you pull on that shirt it’s a proud moment and I’m playing for my team-mates, for my country and for the fans. So of course it hurts but at the end of the day that’s part and parcel – I’ve had enough criticism over my career so far to be able to deal with stuff like that I’m not the first player to get booed and probably not the last.”

Henderson went on to say that he asked why he was booed after the Australia game and a journalist said it was because he plays in Saudi Arabia. He added that it was a decision he made months ago and it does not change who he is as a person.

International Chances

When asked whether his international chances are harmed by playing in the Saudi Pro League, Henderson admitted that there is no getting away from that. He added that he just has to keep an eye on it and so far it has not been an issue.

Henderson has been a key player for England since making his debut in 2010 and has gone on to make over 100 appearances for his country. He captained England at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and was part of the squad that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020 earlier this year.

The midfielder is now looking ahead to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and will be hoping to lead England to glory in what could be his last major tournament for his country.

Conclusion

Jordan Henderson has insisted that he has no regrets about moving to Saudi Arabia despite the public backlash. The 33-year-old midfielder was heavily criticised for the move but believes he can do good while playing there. He also admitted that his international chances may be harmed by playing in the Saudi Pro League but is determined to keep an eye on it.

Henderson has been a key player for England since making his debut in 2010 and will be hoping to lead his country to glory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.