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England midfielder Jordan Henderson states he has faced "difficult moments" since departing from Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and acknowledges he might "have made different decisions".

The veteran midfielder was widely criticized for leaving Liverpool in 2023 to play for Al-Ettifaq in a country where LGBTQ+ relationships are illegal.

Henderson had been known as a high-profile supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and apologized for upsetting or upsetting people in the LGBTQ+ community when he exited Saudi Arabia to move to Ajax six months later.

International Career and Reflections

Henderson was omitted from Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad but is back to the Premier League with Brentford and England's selection under Thomas Tuchel.

"In my opinion it was the reason why I missed the Euros," Henderson stated. "While I was in Saudi I feel I was in every camp leading up to the Euros."

"Regarding timing, with the situation in hindsight, yes - maybe I would have made different decisions."

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

Emotional Challenges

"Honestly speaking, over the past two years I have had several tough moments. It was similar to a break-up when I left Liverpool."

"Of course I'm not flawless and I've made mistakes in the past. Certainly I will have over my career."

"However all I've ever sought to do is the proper thing."

International Experience

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

He is in Tuchel's squad to compete against Wales and Latvia this week and thinks he still has much to provide on the pitch.

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

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