Audio By Carbonatix
England midfielder Jordan Henderson says he has had "tough moments" since leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and could "have made different decisions".
The 35-year-old was roundly criticised for leaving Liverpool in 2023 to play for Al-Ettifaq in a country where same-sex relationships are illegal.
Henderson had been a high-profile supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and apologised for letting down or hurting anyone in the community when he left Saudi Arabia to join Ajax six months later.
Henderson missed out on Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad but is back in the Premier League with Brentford and the England squad under Thomas Tuchel.
"I don't think it was the reason why I missed the Euros," Henderson said. "When I was in Saudi I think I was in every camp prior to the Euros.
"Timing, with everything in hindsight, yes - maybe I would have made different decisions.
"But at the time, that's how I felt, and the decision I made was for many different reasons and only I know them reasons.
"I am not going to lie, over the past couple of years, I have had some tough moments. It felt like a break-up when I left Liverpool.
"Of course I'm not perfect and I've made mistakes in the past. Of course I will have throughout my career.
"But all I've ever tried to do is the right thing."
Henderson has won 85 caps since making his England debut against France in 2010.
He is in Tuchel's squad to play Wales and Latvia this week and feels he still has plenty to offer on the pitch.
"The most important people are the manager, the coaching staff and the players and what they think," said Henderson.
"Ask them what they think, if I am a cheerleader when I am here. I don't think one of the best managers in Europe would be choosing me just to do that."
Latest Stories
-
Independent Examinations Committee no longer has authority to conduct law school entrance exams – Dafeamekpor
1 minute -
Acting Rent Commissioner accuses hostel operators of exploiting students through utility charges
4 minutes -
Ghana Publishing reverses 3-year negative cash position with GH¢18.7m balance in 2025
9 minutes -
Tenants may bear the cost of rent assessment under existing law — Acting Rent Commissioner
10 minutes -
Gov’t secures funding to stabilise Free SHS Feeding programme – Haruna Iddrisu
16 minutes -
2026 WASSCE begins on Wednesday, May 13, with oral English as 509,862 candidates register
22 minutes -
Gov’t likely to extend fuel relief measures amid rising crude oil prices – Fitch
23 minutes -
Ghana’s rental sector showing signs of lawlessness – Rent Control Commissioner laments
37 minutes -
Social work graduates urged to strengthen impact in social protection delivery
40 minutes -
“Are we in America?” — Acting Rent Commissioner questions rent pricing in dollars
41 minutes -
Gov’t raises GH¢120.2bn from T-Bills as demand and yields shift in 2026 market
42 minutes -
Acting Rent Commissioner says landlords cannot impose arbitrary rent charges without property assessment
51 minutes -
GPGD Network seeks stronger partnership with Gender Ministry on education and social development
54 minutes -
Health professionals push preventive care to reduce pressure on Ghana’s health system
1 hour -
NDC Central Regional Chairman installed as Development Chief of Agona Kwanyarko
2 hours