Jordan Henderson has spoken out for the first time since leaving Al-Ettifaq for Ajax. The former Liverpool captain says ending his move to Saudi Arabia is “the best resolution for his family”, returning to Europe after less than six months in the Middle East.
Henderson’s time at Al-Ettifaq, where he worked with compatriot Steven Gerrard, former Liverpool captain, lasted 17 appearances. The 33-year-old has been heavily criticised for moving to Saudi Arabia after being a staunch advocate for LGBTQ rights in football.
This week he and Al-Ettifaq agreed to terminate his eye-watering contract, believed to be worth £700,000 a week. And Henderson was unveiled as an Ajax player on Thursday, putting pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal.
Soon after, Henderson took to social media and addressed the followers he had left behind for the first time, writing in X: “I am not happy to say that I will be leaving Al-Ettifaq promptly.
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“It wasn’t an easy decision but one that I feel is best for me and my family. I want to take this opportunity to thank the club and the fans for all the support during my time. I really felt the love from day one. I’ll keep watching and hoping for your success. Good luck for the future.”
Al-Ettifaq are currently in eighth place in the Saudi Pro League and are 28 points off the top, having scored a disappointing 22 goals in 19 games. Despite this, Gerrard has been rewarded with a contract extension that runs until 2027 as the club persists in his long history. term project.
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Just over an hour after his initial message, Henderson sent a message to his new enthusiasts in the Netherlands, writing: “Amsterdam!I am very satisfied to be here. I hope to see you soon. “
Ajax have had a torrid start to the campaign, but the appointment of John van ‘t Schip has fostered a change of course. The Amsterdam giants are in fifth place in the Eredivisie lately and maintain a narrow chance of qualifying for the European festival next season.
“We were looking for an experienced midfielder with leadership qualities,” Van ‘t Schip told Ajax’s official website. “Partly because of injuries in the team, we were looking for someone who could intervene right away. Jordan Henderson is that kind of player.
“His arrival is a big improvement for our team. Both on and off the pitch, a player of this caliber is vital to our many young players. He is a foreign player from England and has won the Champions League and many other awards with Liverpool. “I’m pleased that he’s here and I think it’s very smart for our club that he’s at Ajax from today. “
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