Jordan Henderson explains reason for Saudi move in farewell speech to squad

Jordan Henderson reportedly explained his decision to relocate to Saudi Arabia in a farewell message to his Liverpool teammates.

Jordan Henderson explains reason for Saudi move in farewell speech to squad

The midfielder left the club after a 12-year stint to join former teammate Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq, giving a video message to fans just before the official announcement. Jordan Henderson explains reason for Saudi move in farewell speech to squad

Henderson leaves Liverpool with a slew of fond experiences with his teammates, many of which were retold during a video in which the players praised him for his contributions to the club.

The 33-year-old is claimed to have addressed his teammates just before departing for the Middle East, explaining his decision to make the move at this moment.

Henderson met with the squad on Monday to say his farewell at Manchester Airport, where they had returned from their pre-season training camp in Germany, according to The Athletic’s James Pearce and Simon Hughes.

Henderson allegedly stated in a speech to the players he has captained since taking over from his new manager in 2015 that a crucial element in his decision was his “desire not to hold the club back” in their quest for greater success.

Henderson was at the vanguard of Liverpool’s golden period, winning every major trophy available to him as captain and gaining legendary status on the Kop.

His reasoning is unlikely to be accepted by many followers, given that the England international would treble his earnings by playing in the rapidly expanding Saudi Pro League.

Given his previous public support for the LGBTQ+ community and the tyranny those groups endure in that country, his decision to choose Saudi Arabia as his next professional destination has elicited justifiable reaction.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is among those who believe the move is justified, saying Henderson has “difficult questions to answer” as a result of the switch.

It is without a doubt one of the most momentous sales in Liverpool’s recent history for a variety of reasons, but the former captain will leave a major void both on and off the field that will need to be filled beginning next season.