English player Jordan Henderson reveals he has encountered "difficult moments" after leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and acknowledges he might "have made different decisions".
The veteran midfielder received backlash for exiting Liverpool in 2023 to play for Al-Ettifaq in a nation where LGBTQ+ relationships are criminalized.
Henderson had previously been a high-profile advocate of LGBTQ+ rights and said sorry for letting down or offending members in the community when he exited Saudi Arabia to join Ajax following a six-month period.
England Career and Reflections
Henderson was omitted from Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad but has returned to the Premier League with Brentford and the England squad under Thomas Tuchel.
"I don't think it was the reason why I didn't make the Euros," Henderson remarked. "When I was in Saudi I believe I was in each gathering prior to the Euros."
"Timing-wise, with all things in looking back, yes - maybe I would have made different decisions."
"But at the moment that's how I felt and the decision I made was for various reasons and solely I know those reasons."
Emotional Struggles
"I am not going to lie, over the past few years I have had various tough moments. It seemed like a parting when I left Liverpool."
"Of course I'm not perfect and I've made mistakes in the past. Naturally I will have during my career."
"However all I've ever tried to do is the correct thing."
England Career
Henderson has won 85 caps since making his England debut against France in 2010.
He is in Tuchel's squad to compete against Wales and Latvia this week and feels he still has much to provide on the pitch.
"The key people are the coach, the backroom staff and the players and what they believe," said Henderson.
"Question them what they believe, if I am a motivator when I am here. I don't think one of the finest managers in Europe would be selecting me just to do that."
