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England player Jordan Henderson states he has experienced "tough moments" since departing from Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and admits he might "have made different decisions".

The veteran midfielder was widely criticized for departing Liverpool in 2023 to sign with Al-Ettifaq in a nation where homosexuality are illegal.

Henderson had been known as a vocal advocate of LGBTQ+ rights and apologized for upsetting or offending anyone in the community members when he departed from Saudi Arabia to join Ajax six months later.

England Career and Thoughts

Henderson missed out on Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad but has come back to the Premier League with Brentford and the England squad under Thomas Tuchel.

"I don't think it was the factor why I was excluded from the Euros," Henderson stated. "While I was in Saudi I believe I was in every camp before the Euros."

"Regarding timing, with everything in retrospect, yes - maybe I would have taken different decisions."

"But at the period that's how I thought and the decision I made was for numerous reasons and only I know those reasons."

Emotional Challenges

"To be honest, over the past few years I have had various tough moments. It felt like a break-up when I left Liverpool."

"Naturally I'm not perfect and I've made poor choices in the past. Of course I will have over my career."

"But all I've ever attempted to do is the proper thing."

England Experience

Henderson has won 85 caps since making his England debut against France in 2010.

He is in Tuchel's squad to play Wales and Latvia this week and feels he still has much to offer on the pitch.

"The most important people are the coach, the technical staff and the players and what they believe," said Henderson.

"Inquire with them what they believe, if I am a motivator when I am here. I don't think one of the top managers in Europe would be choosing me just to do that."