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Jordan Henderson claims Moving to Saudi Arabia was a mistake
Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson has admitted that his decision to move to Saudi Arabia last summer was “a mistake”. Having faced a decline in his role at Liverpool, Henderson chose to transfer to Saudi Arabia to join forces with Reds legend Steven Gerrard. However, he received significant backlash for his choice to relocate to a country where homosexuality is outlawed.
Initially defending his move and expressing his dedication to aiding Saudi Arabia’s progress both on and off the field, Henderson ultimately terminated his contract in January and returned to Europe, signing with Ajax.
Speaking to Het Parool in an interview, Henderson acknowledged that the move to Saudi Arabia was not the right fit for him.
“I made a mistake, but I am happy with the Ajax project,” he stressed.
“Everyone has an opinion, some more intense than others. That’s fine and part of it. I’m used to something. But people don’t know the whole story. Only I know that.
“During those five months in Saudi Arabia I learned a lot about myself. What are my motivations? Why do I actually play football? Football is something that is in my blood, I now know. And the competition in Saudi Arabia is developing and will become bigger, but it does not suit me at the moment.
“I live for European nights like against Aston Villa. I want to create a big surprise with my teammates.”
After being jeered by supporters on his England national team debut earlier this season, Henderson is prepared for a harsh reception when he returns to the country on Thursday to play Villa in the second leg of the Europa Conference League last 16.
“When people whistle at me, it gives me extra motivation,” he stressed. “Proving critics wrong is a common thread in my career that has not worn out over the years. It’s my way of expressing emotions. A passion that belongs to me.”