05 September 2023 , 08:17
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Jordan Henderson has addressed backlash over his controversial move to Saudi Arabia but insists the decision was not fuelled by money.
The former Liverpool captain joined Al-Ettifaq earlier this summer, bringing to an end his long and successful stint at Anfield. The move was a shock to many given Henderson’s crucial role on Merseyside over the last few seasons.
Henderson, who had been an ally of the LGBTQ+ community during his time with Liverpool, faced a huge backlash given the fact homosexuality remains illegal in Saudi Arabia.
Many accused Henderson of being part of a sportswashing programme in the Gulf State with some reports suggesting that the midfielder had put pen to paper on a contract worth £700k-per-week.
Henderson admits he did have second thoughts about the switch before ultimately deciding to go ahead and make the move. He told The Athletic : "I’m not just saying this for people to think, 'Oh yeah…' I’m just trying to give you some insight into what it was like. I spoke to so many different people that I trust, who know me, who will challenge me.
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"There can be a lot of criticism, a lot of negativity around me as a person and that was difficult to take. But I just feel as though, because I do care about different causes that I’ve been involved in, and different communities… I do care. And for people to criticise and say that I’d turned my back on them really, really hurt me."
Henderson denies the reported figures and suggested that his financial package was not a consideration in early talks. He added: “People will see this club come with loads of money and he’s just gone, ‘Yeah, I’m going.’ When in reality that just wasn’t the case at all.
"In my life and my career, money has never been a motivation. Ever. Don’t get me wrong, when you move, the business deal has to be tight. You have to have financials, you have to feel wanted, you have to feel valued. And money is a part of that."
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Former Liverpool midfielder Gerrard was a driving force behind Henderson’s move to the Gulf state. The ex-midfielder expressed his desire to be reunited with his successor for the Anfield armband.
Henderson has revealed the pair held plenty of talks in the course of the transfer going through but has confirmed that his pay packet was never mentioned. He added: “Stevie never mentioned money. Everything I spoke to Stevie about was football and the project.
“And he actually said he didn’t want to get involved in any of the money stuff. It was all about what we could do together to achieve something special and build a club and build the league.”