The former club captain of Liverpool, Jordan Henderson, has provided an explanation for his decision to leave the Reds, saying that he didn’t “feel wanted” by the Merseysiders.

Al-Ittihad has been rumored to be interested in recruiting Mo Salah, Joe Gomez, and Ibrahima Konate, while Liverpool lost Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arabia this summer.

Henderson was a well-known advocate for the LGBTQ+ community while serving as captain of Liverpool, so it is unsurprising that his decision to join Al-Ettifaq in a country where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death has garnered heavy criticism.

Henderson responded: “There were a few things that sent alarm bells going when The Athletic questioned him about if Jurgen Klopp had told him he wasn’t a part of his plans. My friendship with Jurgen is excellent.

With me, he was completely honest. I won’t go into detail about the chat because it was personal, but it made me realize that I wouldn’t be playing as often. I was aware that fresh players will be entering my position.

And if I’m not playing, as everyone, especially the manager, would know, it can be pretty difficult for me, particularly when I’ve been at a club for so long and have captained the team for so long. especially when I consider England to be important.

“The Euros are quickly approaching. Al-Ettifaq then made contact with the club to inquire about the likelihood of my being able to enter.

“Once more, there was no negative response from the club. I received the impression that the management and the club no longer valued me or wanted me to stay at that point. I anticipated that moment would arrive eventually. I didn’t anticipate it happening now. Thus, I had to concede that.

“Jurgen and the club’s owners are people with whom I get along well. That will always remain. We’ve accomplished so much over the past 12 years as a team. It was difficult for me to accept it, but, at the same time.

Henderson has affirmed that he would have stayed at Liverpool if Klopp or other club officials had urged him to do so.

When asked if he ever had the thought, “I’d just like you to fight for me a little bit,” Henderson responded, “We wouldn’t be having this conversation if one of those people said to me, “Now we want you to stay. After that, I have to consider my career’s next steps.

“Now, that’s not to say that they forced me out of the club or they were saying they wanted me to leave but at no point did I feel wanted by the club or anyone to stay.”