Jordan Henderson: Liverpool exit “felt like a break-up” | OneFootball

Jordan Henderson (35) has opened up on the emotional turmoil of leaving Liverpool, describing his 2023 departure as “the most difficult period” of his career, in comments transcribed by Sky Sports. After 12 years at Anfield, a tenure that brought the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, two League Cups, and a Club World Cup, the midfielder admitted the exit “felt like a break-up. ”

“Leaving Liverpool itself was huge and really difficult,” said the 35-year-old, currently back in England duty. “It had been my life for so long, and then suddenly it was gone. I couldn’t even watch the games for a while, especially Liverpool’s.”

The emotional bond Henderson shared with the club and supporters, he said, made the separation even more profound. “When you dedicate so much of your life to one place, it’s hard to move on. It genuinely felt like heartbreak.”

Short-Lived Saudi Sojourn and Lessons Learned

Henderson’s move to Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia was controversial and short-lived. Within six months, he left for Ajax, before sealing a return to the Premier League with Brentford this summer.

Reflecting on that decision, Henderson denied that the Saudi move cost him a place at the Euros. “I don’t think that was the reason,” he said. “In hindsight, maybe I’d have done things differently, but at the time it felt right. Every decision I made had its reasons

A Renewed Sense of Purpose

Now back in England, Henderson appears rejuvenated. “I’ve loved being back, competing in the best league in the world,” he said. “Those challenges, in Saudi, in Amsterdam, they’ve made me stronger. I’m thankful for the experiences that shaped me, both as a player and a person.”

GFN | Finn Entwistle