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Jordan Henderson is referring to Saudi Arabia after leaving Al Ettifaq to sign for Ajax. (1:38)
Jordan Henderson made his debut for Ajax Amsterdam on Saturday, during the full 90 minutes in which the team held unbeaten leader PSV Eindhoven to a 1-1 draw in the Dutch league.
England manager Gareth Southgate watched from the stands at the Johan Cruyff Arena as the 33-year-old former Liverpool captain, signed last month from Saudi Arabian club Al Ettifaq, received an enthusiastic welcome and seemed at ease. comfortable in Ajax’s midfield.
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“It was a smart game,” Henderson told ESPN after the final whistle. “The atmosphere was incredible. It was clearly a special day for me and my family. Representing this football club for the first time. It was special. And betting on that stadium was special. “
Steven Berghuis put Ajax ahead after 19 minutes, but PSV equalised 10 minutes before half-time through Luuk de Jong.
“PSV have a team, they’re unbeaten all season,” Henderson added. “But I think we had a good chance to win towards the end. But unfortunately we couldn’t locate the bottom of the net. “
PSV have won 18 of their 20 games this season, drawn the other two and are thirteen points behind second-placed Feyenoord, who play on Sunday.
Ajax, who made a poor start to the season before recovering, are in fifth place, 21 points behind PSV.
“I think there is still a lot of room for improvement,” Henderson added about his first game in an Ajax shirt. “But it has been a privilege and an honor to play for this club. Unfortunately, we couldn’t complete it in the end. But we have a point to go forward. “
Henderson continued to be chosen for England after his questionable move to Saudi Arabia, despite opposition from some supporters. And Henderson said he didn’t know Southgate would be there on Saturday.
“I hope he picked a game and enjoyed it,” Henderson told reporters at a postgame news conference.
Reuters contributed to this report.