Brendan Rodgers slams 'morality officers' for criticising Henderson Saudi move
Brendan Rodgers has defended Jordan Henderson's decision to trade Liverpool for Al-Ettifaq while hitting out at what he deems "morality officers" questioning the England star.
Henderson left Liverpool this summer after more than a decade with the club. However, his choice of Al-Ettifaq has brought criticism from LGBT+ groups, owing to the Saudi state's laws on homosexuality.
England manager Gareth Southgate included the 33-year-old in his latest squad, having held talks with Henderson before the midfielder left the Premier League for Steven Gerrard's side. And now Rodgers, who spent several years as Henderson's manager at Liverpool, has given his say on the situation facing the veteran.
“It’s their profession, it’s their life so they have to do what’s best for them," Celtic boss Rodgers told talkSPORT. “There’s so many morality officers around the world nowadays that are judging people.
“But Jordan I know extremely well and I know the love he had for Liverpool. He was at the stage of his career where he probably wasn’t going to be the first name on the team sheet anymore. At 32-years of age, he’s won absolutely everything.
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“He probably fancied a different challenge and out of respect, it probably didn’t feel right for him being at another Premier League club. So to go abroad and take on a new challenge clearly suited him."
Do you agree with Brendan Rodgers? Have your say in the comments section
Brendan Rodgers managed Jordan Henderson at Liverpool (Getty Images)Henderson addressed some of the criticism of his move in an interview with The Athletic. There, he claimed money wasn't the reason for his switch, and also made reference to criticism from LGBT+ groups after he previously showed support for their cause via the rainbow laces campaign.
"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," he said. "And for people to criticise and say that I’d turned my back on them really, really hurt me."
His interview drew plenty of criticism, though. One of those to hit out at the midfielder was former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan, who questioned Henderson's claims.
"But let's not dress it up into what it isn't, it is predominantly a money transaction." Jordan said on talkSPORT. "When you are preparing yourself for these interviews, knowing what is coming your way, what is your outcome in terms of people saying 'You hypocrite'.
"You made a song and dance about wanting to be supportive about certain communities and you go to a country that has no support for these communities whatsoever. You are a mercenary and you're only going there for money."
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