Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has slammed Jordan Henderson over his recent comments following his Liverpool exit.
Henderson had reunited with Steven Gerrard at Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq this summer after completing a sensational £12 million move from Liverpool.
The 33-year-old signed a three-year contract with the Dammam-based side but his move was met with some criticism by the English media.
Despite his interview with David Ornstein of The Athletic, the midfielder’s comments were not well-received by supporters and pundits including Simon Jordan.
The former Crystal Palace owner believes Henderson’s decision to move to Saudi Arabia was financially driven and will only tarnish his legacy at Anfield.
“It’s ridiculous for him to say that he hasn’t gone to Saudi predominantly for the money,” Jordan told talkSPORT.
“I don’t care if he has gone for the money or not but, the bottom line is, that’s what he has gone there for. Jordan Henderson cannot get past the inevitable.
“I would much rather him turn around and say ‘One of the driving factors was the money’. You’re an international footballer, you’re playing for Liverpool and you’re going to a league that has enormous amounts of money.
“What are the other predominant reasons then? But let’s not dress it up into what it isn’t, it is predominantly a money transaction.
“You are a mercenary and you’re only going there for money. If I was in his shoes, and the people around him, what is going to be our best answer to this question because we are caught in a position?
“They [his team] have briefed him. He is a parrot. Let’s ask the question, Jordan. If you were still getting the same dough you were getting at Liverpool, would you have been equally as motivated to go to these countries to grow the sport? No, he wouldn’t,’ he added.