Liverpool’s midfielder, Jordan Henderson, has made the decision to leave the club and join Al-Ettifaq, a team in the Saudi Pro League.
The move comes after Henderson accepted a highly lucrative offer from the Saudi side.
Notably, he will have the opportunity to work under the guidance of Steven Gerrard, a legendary figure at Liverpool, who was recently appointed as the manager of Al-Ettifaq.
AFter sealing the move, he posted on Instagram: “Delighted to announce I’ve signed for @ettifaq. New challenge ahead, can’t wait to get going.”
A Liverpool statement said: “Liverpool Football Club can confirm Jordan Henderson has completed a transfer to Al-Ettifaq.
“The move to the Saudi Pro League side sees the midfielder bring an end to his 12-year Reds career, during which he lifted eight trophies, all but one of which as club captain.
“Everybody at Liverpool wishes to place on record their thanks and gratitude for everything Jordan Henderson did for the club during his 12 years as a Red.”
A leader 💪🏻 A warrior ⚔️
— Ettifaq Club (@Ettifaq_EN) July 27, 2023
We’re simply thrilled to have him ❤️💚
Henderson is ETTIFAQI 🟢✨#HendersonEttifaqi pic.twitter.com/GIj8kggxtn
In the recent summer transfer window, he joins a growing list of high-profile names making moves to the Middle East. Among them are former team-mate Roberto Firmino, former Chelsea stars Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, and N’Golo Kante, as well as Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema.
Having dedicated 12 seasons to Liverpool, the 33-year-old midfielder served as the captain, leading the team to victories in the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Super Cup, and Club World Cup.
Despite having two more years left on his contract, Jordan Henderson, who began his football journey at Sunderland’s academy, has agreed to a lucrative salary offer to join his former teammate Steven Gerrard’s side.
Announcing his departure from the Reds on Instagram, Henderson said: “It’s hard to put these last 12 years into words and it’s even harder to say goodbye. I will always be a Red. Until the day I die.
“Thank you for everything. You’ll never walk alone.”
Skipper, where do I start? The one constant factor in my career since my debut. My Liverpool and England journey we have been together since day 1. To have shared every dressing room with you is something ill always cherish. A constant inspiration to me and the perfect role model… pic.twitter.com/pgBk6Fn28Z
— Trent Alexander-Arnold (@TrentAA) July 27, 2023
He added in a video accompanying his post: “I’m in the [Liverpool] dressing room for the last time so, as you can imagine, it is very emotional.
“I need to somehow explain what these last 12 years have meant for me and my family.
“Being made the captain of Liverpool Football Club was one the greatest honours of my life.
“From the day the armband was passed to me I did everything I could to behave like a Liverpool captain should.
“Thank you for allowing me to be part of your club, thank you for your support in good times and bad.”