Jordan Henderson, who used to lead Liverpool, showed up at the Reds’ AXA Training Centre on Friday without warning. 

The 34-year-old left Merseyside with a cloud over his head in 2023 when he chose to join Steven Gerrard’s Saudi Pro League team Al-Ettifaq. 

Henderson’s time in the Middle East was short, though. In January of this year, he signed with Eredivisie giants Ajax, making a quick return to European football. 

Liverpool players gave the England player a hero’s welcome in Kirkby on Friday. He played for Liverpool for 12 years and won seven awards there. 

Many players from Henderson’s time at the club could be seen hugging each other. Current captain Virgil van Dijk and vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold were among them. 

The senior also took time to talk to young players like Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota, and Curtis Jones at the Reds’ practice pitch. 

Henderson has mostly done well since moving to the Netherlands, where he quickly became a leader in a young team. 

He has been leader of the four-time European Cup winners more than once, but he has been in and out of the starting eleven so far this season. 

After a rough few months at the end of last year and the start of this one, it looks like his time with the Three Lions is over. 

The last of his 86 caps for his country came in November 2023, when he was playing for Gareth Southgate’s team.

Henderson was not a part of England’s squad for the European Championship and has not been named in either of the teams chosen by temporary manager Lee Carsley. 

Liverpool, on the other hand, is getting ready to go to London on Saturday afternoon to play Crystal Palace. After Arne Slot took over, the Reds had a great start, winning eight of their first nine games. 

As long as they win at Selhurst Park, they will stay on top of the Premier League for at least one more weekend.