Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has broken his silence after facing boos from some England fans following his transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq. Henderson, who captained England against Australia in Harry Kane’s absence, expressed his pride in leading his country despite the negative reception.
The midfielder’s exit from Liverpool sparked controversy, as he reunited with former teammate Steven Gerrard at his new club. In an interview with The Athletic, Henderson opened up about the criticism he received and described feeling ‘hurt’ by it.
Henderson’s move to Saudi Arabia drew anger from Liverpool fans and LGBTQ+ groups who had previously considered him an ally. The midfielder’s first match under the arch at Wembley since speaking out about his transfer was met with jeers from the crowd.
However, Henderson remained defiant and took to social media to share a message about the honor of representing his country and leading the team out at Wembley. “Always an honor to represent my country, never take it for granted,” he posted on Instagram. “(It’s) Extra special to lead the team out at Wembley.”
England manager Gareth Southgate stood by Henderson despite his move to a relatively unknown league. Southgate defended the midfielder during an appearance on talkSPORT, emphasizing his exceptional contributions to the national team.
“He is a player who has won 79 caps for England. His commitment and what he has delivered for England is exceptional,” Southgate said post-match. “His role within the group both on and off pitch is phenomenally important. He is the one who took Jude Bellingham under his wing and is a role model for the group in his professionalism and approach to every part of his work.”
Henderson’s journey since leaving Liverpool has been met with mixed reactions. While some fans have criticized his decision, others have acknowledged his contributions to the club during his time as captain.