Jordan Henderson has issued an apology for potentially causing offence with his decision to join Saudi Arabia, acknowledging the criticism surrounding his move.
Despite the controversy, the newly signed Ajax player asserts that his fundamental beliefs have remained unchanged.
The English midfielder faced backlash for leaving Liverpool for the Middle East in 2023, especially given his previous advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights during his tenure at Anfield.
Henderson, now back in Europe after securing a two-and-a-half-year contract with Ajax, expressed remorse for disappointing any supporters but emphasised that his core principles have remained consistent. The former Liverpool captain stated,
“If any people from that community feel let down or hurt, I apologise. If anyone was offended or feel as though I upset them, that’s on me; that was my decision, and I apologise for that. It was never my intention. I just want to look forward now and concentrate on being the best player I can for Ajax. My beliefs have never changed and never will. Again, I can only apologise if people feel let down.”
Henderson said of cutting his time in the Saudi Pro League short, having initially committed to a £350,000-per-week contract at Al-Ettifaq: “I think a lot of people would like me to criticise the Saudi League; that’s not something I’m going to do. I have a lot of respect for them and those that made me feel welcome. If anyone is offended, I apologise; that was never my intention.”
He added when asked if he has any regrets: “Looking back at the time, it was a big decision and one I felt was right for me. Things change quickly in football and I’m happy to make this decision (to come to Ajax), and I felt this opportunity was too big to turn down for me.
“In life, if you want to call them regrets or mistakes, you can, but they’re only mistakes if you don’t learn from them and I learnt a lot of things about Saudi Arabia. I haven’t got a bad word to say about anyone. I have friends over there I’ll speak to forever and there were still positives to come out of it. In the end, it didn’t turn out the way we both wanted to, but it ended on great terms.”
Henderson says he is now ready to commit himself fully to the Ajax cause, with the Dutch giants enduring uncharacteristic struggles this season that have left them fifth in the Eredivisie table and with the Europa League providing their only route to major silverware.