Jordan Henderson has revealed that he has moved to Al-Ettifaq to try and make football better in the Middle Eastern country.
Al-Ettifaq completed the signing of Jordan Henderson this summer in a move that saw him reunite with another ex-Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.
There were wild numbers being banded about in regards to how much he would be earning a week with certain figures reaching as high as £800,000 a week, something he says is not true when he spoke to The Athletic over the summer.
The midfielder has received a fresh bout of criticism after he was selected by Gareth Southgate for the England friendlies that have taken place in the previous two international breaks.
The midfielder, however, has spoken out against the criticism he has received since his summer move to Saudi Arabia in an interview with The Telegraph.
Henderson on criticism
“No, I haven’t been surprised by that because I can understand the reasons in what they’re saying, Henderson admitted. “I look at it from a different point of view, obviously. But I can understand it and I’ve got to take that on the chin.
“But as I keep on saying, it doesn’t change the person that I am. I’m playing football in a different country in Saudi where I want to try to improve the game on the pitch but also things off the pitch as well. That’s all I keep trying to do.”
The English midfielder has started well with Gerrard and Al-Ettifaq but was booed off when he was substituted against Australia. The midfielder will now need to prepare for a European Championship qualifier against Italy.
Henderson was one of a number of high-profile players now in Saudi to lend his support to the 2034 World Cup bid.
He sent a selfie video to the Saudi broadcaster Asharq Al-Awsat, based in London, declaring: “Very excited about the announcement. Go Saudi Arabia 2034.”
This has caused ire amongst some England fans but Henderson said all the people that have approached him in the street have been ‘positive’.
Henderson will be hoping to guide Al-Ettifaq to a top-four finish this season and they currently sit seventh in the Pro League table.