Jordan Henderson expressed his deep disappointment at not being able to bid a proper farewell to Liverpool supporters before leaving for Saudi Arabia in the summer. After dedicating 12 years to the Reds, the midfielder’s move to Al Ettifaq was met with criticism due to the country’s strict anti-homosexuality legislation.
In an illuminating interview with The Athletic, the 33-year-old discussed the reasons behind his departure from Merseyside and his decision to join Steven Gerrard’s team in Dammam. When asked about potential negative reactions if he returned to Anfield, Henderson emphasized that much of the criticism was on social media and in the media, which he chose not to engage with.
Henderson highlighted the support he received from his neighborhood and even some Liverpool fans. He expressed his unwavering commitment to the club, having dedicated his entire life to it for over a decade. Despite the controversy surrounding his departure, he remained grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the club.
When questioned about the possibility of a testimonial at Anfield, Henderson initially said no, but he also acknowledged that it would be a decent and kind gesture to do something to bid a proper farewell to the fans who meant so much to him.
Henderson acknowledged that he did not receive the same adulation when leaving Liverpool as some of his fellow teammates, like Bobby Firmino. It was clear that his move to Saudi Arabia had hurt some of his former supporters, especially considering his previous advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. Many in the LGBTQ+ community expected him to use his platform to speak out on their behalf.
Henderson’s achievements during his time at Liverpool were remarkable. He led the team to numerous major awards, participated in nearly 500 games, and even established a fund among Premier League colleagues to assist frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
While a testimonial might ordinarily be in order for such contributions, the extraordinary nature of Henderson’s move to the Middle East and the controversy it generated makes it unlikely that a formal farewell will happen anytime soon. Many Liverpool fans may hesitate to give him a recommendation at this moment, despite his on-field contributions. It might be something that occurs later, perhaps when he decides to retire from playing.
