England midfielder Jordan Henderson states he has experienced "tough moments" since leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and says he might "taken different decisions".
The experienced player was widely criticized for departing Liverpool in 2023 to play for Al-Ettifaq in a nation where LGBTQ+ relationships are against the law.
Henderson had previously been a prominent champion of LGBTQ+ rights and apologized for upsetting or offending anyone in the community when he left Saudi Arabia to join Ajax half a year after.
International Career and Thoughts
Henderson was left out of Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad but is back to the Premier League with Brentford and the England squad under Thomas Tuchel.
"In my opinion it was the reason why I was excluded from the Euros," Henderson commented. "When I was in Saudi I feel I was in each gathering before the Euros."
"Regarding timing, with everything in retrospect, yes - possibly I would have made different decisions."
"However at the moment that's how I thought and the decision I made was for various reasons and solely I know those reasons."
Emotional Challenges
"I am not going to lie, over the past two years I have had several tough moments. It was similar to a parting when I left Liverpool."
"Naturally I'm not flawless and I've made errors in the past. Naturally I will have throughout my career."
"But all I've ever attempted to do is the correct thing."
England Experience
Henderson has gained 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 crucial people are the manager, the technical staff and the players and what they think," said Henderson.
"Inquire with them what they feel, if I am a supporter when I am here. I doubt one of the top managers in Europe would be choosing me just to do that."
