Jordan Henderson's departure from Liverpool in July 2023 came as a shock to many, with the captain citing feelings of being undervalued by the club and Jurgen Klopp.
Despite lifting eight major trophies at Anfield, Henderson felt it was time to move on, leading to his surprising transfer to Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League, where he would team up with Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard.
The move to Saudi Arabia, however, was short-lived, as just six months later, Henderson terminated his contract with Al-Ettifaq by mutual consent and joined Ajax.
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In November 2023, Henderson opened up about his exit from Liverpool, clarifying that while there was no fallout with Klopp, he did feel a lack of appreciation from his former coach and the club's staff. He praised Klopp for his honesty regarding his reduced role and the impending arrival of new players in his position, which ultimately influenced his decision to seek opportunities elsewhere.
"There were a few things that sent alarm bells ringing," Henderson revealed. "I've got a very good relationship with Jurgen. He was very honest with me.
"I won't go into detail about the conversation because it's private, but it put me in a position where I knew that I wasn't going to be playing as much. I knew there were going to be new players coming in my position."
The 34-year-old, who celebrated lifting the Premier League trophy with Liverpool after a three-decade hiatus, expressed urgency to get game time with Euro 2024 on the horizon. His worries turned into reality when Gareth Southgate excluded him from the England squad for the tournament.
"If I'm not playing, as anybody will know, especially the manager, that can be quite difficult for me and especially when I've been at a club for so long," said Henderson. "I've captained the team for so long. Especially when England's a big thing for me."
Upon learning of an offer from Ettifaq and Liverpool's openness to it, Henderson felt a signal that his tenure was becoming redundant. After sealing a move, Henderson added just 19 matches to his resume in Saudi Arabia, and despite his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, found his time there overshadowed.
"There was an approach from Ettifaq to the club to see if it would be possible for me to go there," he explained. "The reaction from the club again wasn't to say no. At that moment, I felt as though my value or the want for me to stay, with the manager and within the club, maybe it had shifted.
"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.
"If one of those people said to me, 'We want you to stay', then we wouldn't be having this conversation."
Henderson has become synonymous with success at Liverpool, chalking up 492 appearances and 33 goals. His trophy cabinet boasts the Premier League, FA Cup, two League Cups, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA World Club Cup, Community Shield, and of course, the crowning Champions League glory.
