Jordan Henderson is on the way to Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League after he confirmed the move on Wednesday.
The former Liverpool captain spent twelve years at Anfield, winning every major honour possible. He was the lynchpin in midfield for Jurgen Klopp’s reds and captain for their most successful period in recent history.
Jordan Henderson links up with former teammate Steven Gerrard, who is Al-Ettifaq manager.
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“It’s hard to put these last 12 years into words and it’s even harder to say goodbye. I will always be a Red. Until the day I die,” he said.
“Thank you for everything. You’ll never walk alone.
“I’m in the (Liverpool) dressing room for the last time so, as you can imagine, it is very emotional.
“I need to somehow explain what these last 12 years have meant for me and my family.
“Being made the captain of Liverpool Football Club was one the greatest honours of my life.
“From the day the armband was passed to me I did everything I could to behave like a Liverpool captain should.
“Thank you for allowing me to be part of your club, thank you for your support in good time and bad.”
Jordan Henderson’s move to Saudi Arabia is surprising, considering he is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. It remains to be seen whether he will curtail campaigning for his spell there, but it’s likely.
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Whatever your beliefs, nobody can begrudge him a huge payday for him and his family. However, it will beg the question. Until Jordan Henderson himself speaks about it, we will never know his thinking.
His departure from Anfield is also symbolic of the much-needed rebuild of Jurgen Klopp’s team. Alexis McAllister, Dominic Szobozlai and potentially Romeo Lavia are coming in to replace an aged midfield. Fellow midfielder Fabinho is also currently negotiating his own move to Saudi Arabia.
