English midfielder Jordan Henderson states he has encountered "challenging moments" after departing from Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and acknowledges he might "have made different decisions".
The experienced player was widely criticized for leaving Liverpool in 2023 to join Al-Ettifaq in a nation where same-sex relationships are criminalized.
Henderson had been known as a prominent champion of LGBTQ+ rights and said sorry for letting down or offending members in the LGBTQ+ community when he departed from Saudi Arabia to join Ajax half a year after.
International Career and Reflections
Henderson missed out on Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad but is back to the Premier League with Brentford and the national team under Thomas Tuchel.
"In my opinion it was the reason why I missed the Euros," Henderson remarked. "While I was in Saudi I feel I was in every camp prior to the Euros."
"Timing, with everything in looking back, yes - perhaps I would have made different decisions."
"But at the moment that's how I believed and the decision I made was for numerous reasons and I alone know them reasons."
Emotional Struggles
"Honestly speaking, over the past two years I have had some tough moments. It seemed like a separation when I left Liverpool."
"Of course I'm not perfect and I've made poor choices in the past. Naturally I will have throughout my career."
"However all I've ever tried to do is the right thing."
England Experience
Henderson has earned 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 believes he still has a lot to provide on the pitch.
"The most important people are the coach, the backroom staff and the players and what they think," said Henderson.
"Inquire with them what they believe, if I am a motivator when I am here. I don't think one of the top managers in Europe would be selecting me just to do that."
