26 July 2023 , 19:23
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Virgil van Dijk has hailed Jordan Henderson as a "captain, leader and legend" after his Liverpool exit was confirmed.
The former Reds skipper, who leaves behind the armband, has opted to take up a lucrative offer in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq, who are now managed by former team-mate Steven Gerrard. Henderson has been Liverpool's captain through a hugely successful era.
It is the former Sunderland man who has been front and centre, lifting aloft the Premier League and the Champions League trophies as well as several domestic cups. His departure has inevitably led to an outpouring of emotion from his team-mates, with Van Dijk leading them.
A host of colleagues, former and current, have also made their feelings clear with a familiar sentiment. Cody Gakpo, who only played alongside Henderson for a matter of months, said: "Thankyou Captain". Youngster Stefan Bajcetic added: "Thank you for everything Captain".
Henderson was able to overcome the doubters, one of whom was former manager Brendan Rodgers, who was willing to sanction his departure. The midfielder opted to stay and fight for his place, becoming a mainstay and going on to win numerous individual and team honours.
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Several team-mates who have now moved on have paid tribute with Japanese star Takumi Minamino saying "all the best" and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain simply stating "legend". England colleague Reece James has issued his best by saying: "Good luck mate. Legend forever". Well known Liverpool fan and former football league journeyman Adebayo Akinfenwa said: "You will be missed!!!!! Captain. BeastMode."
Henderson moved to Anfield in 2011 after bursting onto the scene with Sunderland. His performances prompted the Reds, then managed by Kenny Dalglish, to pay £20m for the midfielder, who scored his first goal for Liverpool in a home win over Bolton.
The 33-year-old leaves Merseyside having played 492 times, scoring on 33 occasions. Henderson was named the FWA Footballer of the Year in 2020 after he led Liverpool to their first title in three decades, also being named the club's Fan's Player of the Year.
His exit continues the mass Liverpool midfield exodus. Earlier this summer Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner were all allowed to leave when their contracts expired. Henderson has now joined them with Fabinho also linked with a lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia.
Thus far Jurgen Klopp has reacted by adding Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai for just shy of £100m. They continue to pursue Southampton's Romeo Lavia, who is set to leave the Saints after their relegation.