Jordan Henderson claims he left Liverpool because he was unwelcome.
When Al-Ettifaq came calling, Henderson, 33, became one of the most high-profile players to accept a lucrative switch to the Saudi Pro League during the summer transfer window.
The England star was reportedly offered a huge £700,000-a-week contract to leave Anfield – but the veteran midfielder has denied that he moved to the Middle East solely for financial reasons, revealing that his decision was made after learning he would not be starting as many games for Liverpool during private talks with manager Jurgen Klopp over the summer.
“There were a few things that set off alarm bells,” Henderson added. Jurgen and I get along fantastically. He was quite honest with me. I won’t go into specifics about the chat because it was private, but it put me in a position where I knew I wouldn’t be playing as much. I was aware that fresh players would be entering my position.”
“And if I’m not playing, as anyone will know, especially the manager, that can be quite difficult for me, especially when I’ve been at a club for so long, I’ve captained the team for so long,” he continued to The Athletic. Especially since England is a major deal for me. You have the Euros coming up. Then there was an approach from Al-Ettifaq to the club to see if I might go there. Again, the club’s reaction was not to say no.
“At that point, I felt as if my value or desire to stay, with the manager and within the club, had shifted.” I knew it would happen at some point. I didn’t expect it to be now. And I had no choice but to accept it.”
During his 12-year spell at Anfield, Henderson made just over 500 appearances for the Reds, winning the Premier League, the Champions League, and both domestic cups.
Klopp also appointed the veteran as Liverpool captain after Anfield star Steven Gerrard – now his head coach at Al-Ettifaq – departed the club. While Henderson claims he found the club’s stance on his future difficult to accept, he has no bitter feelings.
“I’ve got very good relationships with Jurgen, with the club’s owners,” he concluded. That will last forever. What we’ve accomplished over the last 12 years has been tremendous. But it was difficult for me to accept it at the same time.