Jordan Henderson previsouly disclosed the reasons behind his shock Liverpool exit – revealing a sense of being undervalued at Anfield and a candid relationship with his then-manager Jurgen Klopp.
In July 2023, the football world was left astounded when the captain, who hoisted eight key trophies for the Reds, announced his departure from the club, fueled by feelings of not being appreciated within the club.
Following an eyebrow-raising transfer to Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League – joining forces with former Liverpool ace and Ettifaq boss Steven Gerrard – Henderson’s Arabian sojourn was short-lived, with a contract dissolution just six months later and an ensuing switch to Dutch titans Ajax.
In an enlightening revelation made in November 2023 about his rapport with Liverpool, Henderson declared that despite there being no fall-out with Klopp, he sensed his presence was no longer keenly felt among the coaching staff.
The former Liverpool lynchpin iterated the transparency in communication he shared with Klopp, acknowledging the German’s frankness regarding his waning place within the squad: “There were a few things that sent alarm bells ringing,” admitted Henderson. “I’ve got a very good relationship with Jurgen. He was very honest with me.”
“I won’t go into detail about the conversation because it’s private, but it put me in a position where I knew that I wasn’t going to be playing as much. I knew there were going to be new players coming in my position.”
The 34-year-old, who became a Premier League-winning captain with the Reds, said he needed regular game time with Euro 2024 on the horizon. Sadly for him, his apprehensions came true when Gareth Southgate did not include him in England’s squad for the tournament.
If I’m not playing, as anybody will know, especially the manager, that can be quite difficult for me and especially when I’ve been at a club for so long,” added Henderson. “I’ve captained the team for so long. Especially when England’s a big thing for me.”
The former Sunderland player revealed that after Al-Ettifaq showed interest and Liverpool considered their offer, he sensed his presence was no longer essential. Henderson’s stint with the Saudi Pro League outfit counted 19 appearances and was somewhat clouded due to his advocacy work for LGBTQ+ rights.
There was an approach from Ettifaq to the club to see if it would be possible for me to go there,” he shared. “The reaction from the club again wasn’t to say no. At that moment, I felt as though my value or the want for me to stay, with the manager and within the club, maybe it had shifted.”
“Now, that’s not to say that they forced me out of the club or they were saying they wanted me to leave but at no point did I feel wanted by the club or anyone to stay.
“If one of those people said to me, ‘Now we want you to stay’, then we wouldn’t be having this conversation,” said Henderson, who clocked up 492 appearances and netted 33 goals for the Reds after signing from Sunderland in 2011.
His trophy cabinet from his time at the club includes the Premier League, FA Cup, two League Cups, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA World Club Cup, Community Shield, and the Champions League.
