Jordan Henderson, a former captain of Liverpool, has stated that his contentious summer transfer to Al-Ettifaq of the Saudi Pro League was not motivated by money.
Jordan Henderson asserts that he left Liverpool because it was no longer necessary for him to stay there.
When Al-Ettifaq contacted Henderson, 33, he accepted, becoming one of the most well-known athletes to do so during the summer transfer window.
The veteran midfielder has dispelled claims that he moved to the Middle East only for financial gain, saying that his decision to leave Liverpool was made after learning he would not be starting as many games during private talks with manager Jurgen Klopp over the summer. The England star was reportedly offered a huge £700,000-a-week package to leave Anfield.
Some of the things raised red flags, according to Henderson. My friendship with Jurgen is excellent. He was completely frank with me. I won’t go into detail about the chat because it was personal, but it made me realize that I wouldn’t be playing as often. I was aware that fresh players would be entering my position.
“And if I’m not playing, as anybody will know, especially the manager, that can be quite difficult for me and especially when I’ve been at a club for so long, I’ve captained the team for so long,” he continued in his interview with The Athletic. especially when I consider England to be important. The Euros are approaching. Al-Ettifaq then made contact with the club to inquire about the likelihood of my being able to enter. Again, the club didn’t respond negatively.
“At that point, I felt as though the manager and the club’s desire to keep me had changed, or that my value had changed. I anticipated that moment would arrive eventually. I didn’t anticipate it happening now. I was forced to accept that.
During his 12-year stay at Anfield, Henderson made just under 500 appearances for the Reds, winning the Premier League, the Champions League, and both domestic cups.
Following the departure of Anfield great Steven Gerrard, who is now his head coach at Al-Ettifaq, Klopp also appointed the veteran as Liverpool’s captain. Henderson also maintains he has no hard feelings despite finding the club’s stance on his future difficult to accept.
“I have very good relationships with Jurgen and the club owners,” he concluded. That will always remain. We’ve accomplished so much over the past 12 years as a team. It was difficult for me to accept it, but, at the same time.