Jordan Henderson claims he quit Liverpool because he was no longer desired.
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 when Al-Ettifaq approached him.
The England star was reportedly offered a huge £700,000-a-week package to leave Anfield – but the veteran midfielder has scotched talk 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 alarm bells ringing,” Henderson added. Jurgen and I get along great. He was completely open and honest with me. I won’t go into detail about the conversation because it was private, but it put me in a position where I knew I wouldn’t be playing as much. I knew there would be new players in 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 added to The Athletic. Especially since England is such a big deal to me. You’ve got the Euros coming up. Then Al-Ettifaq approached the club to ask if I might go there. The club, once again, did not say no.
“At that point, I felt as if my worth or desire to stay, with the manager and within the club, had shifted.” I knew it would come at some point. I didn’t expect it would be today. And I had to accept it.”
During his 12-year stay at Anfield, Henderson made just over 500 appearances for the Reds, winning the Premier League, the Champions League, and both domestic cups.
Klopp also gave the veteran the captaincy of Liverpool after Anfield great Steven Gerrard – now his head coach at Al-Ettifaq – left the club. And, while Henderson admits he found the club’s attitude on his future difficult to accept, he has no hard feelings.
“I’ve got very good relationships with Jurgen and the club’s owners,” he concluded. That will last indefinitely. What we’ve accomplished together over the last 12 years has been wonderful. But, at the same time, I found it difficult to accept.
