Jordan Henderson thanks the crowd after the Saudi Pro League match between Al Etifaq and Damak at Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium in Ad Dammam, Saudi Arabia, on September 2, 2023. expressed.
François Nel | Getty Images Sports | Getty Images
England international Jordan Henderson has abruptly ended his playing days in Saudi Arabia’s professional league, dealing a blow to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans to make the domestic league the center of international football.
Former Liverpool captain Henderson speaks on Thursday signed The 33-year-old signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Dutch outfit Ajax shortly after agreeing a mutual termination of his contract with Saudi Arabia’s Al Etifaq.
It was six months after Henderson started playing in the Saudi Pro League. controversial The decision to sign with the club.he had reportedly I was unhappy because I couldn’t settle in that country.
Henderson’s hasty departure from Saudi Arabia marks the end of ‘A tragic episode in an exemplary career” said BBC Sport’s chief football writer, raising questions about both the midfielder’s reputation and the image of the Saudi Professional League.
“It is with regret that I must step down from Al Etifaq effective immediately,” Henderson said. Said Thursday via social media. “It wasn’t an easy decision, but I felt it was the best decision for me and my family.”
He added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the club and the fans for all the support during my time. I truly felt the love from day one. I will continue to watch over you and wish you success in the future. I wish you the best of luck,” he added. . ”
In an interview published by Ajax shortly after, Henderson said: explained He said the past few days have been a “whirlwind” and “crazy” but he is now excited to start a “new chapter” in his career and life.
Henderson was one of a number of high-profile players to move to Saudi Arabia last summer, alongside former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante.
Saudi Arabia has spent extraordinary amounts of money in recent years on acquiring soccer stars to boost domestic competition, and has also invested heavily in sports such as Formula One, golf and sports. tennis And boxing.
Critics have repeatedly accused Riyadh of “sportswashing,” or using sport to distract from domestic human rights abuses. Saudi officials have consistently denied these claims.
Henderson’s early departure from Saudi Arabia sparked much speculation about possible reputational damage to the country’s top flight.
“His departure also tarnished the image of the Saudi Professional League to the outside world. We cannot afford to do something like this, given our determination.” Said Phil McNulty, Chief Football Writer, BBC Sport.
Saad Alaziz, Vice-President and Interim CEO of the Saudi Professional League, said in a statement regarding Henderson’s departure: “This is all just part of football, around the world, in life, in every career. “It’s the same thing. Sometimes, despite our best efforts.” People don’t always coordinate their efforts or stay consistent, which can impact performance and lead to frustration for everyone. ”
“Jordan is a good person and I’m sorry that things didn’t work out, but he will be the first to admit that he was given full support and shown respect. So everyone tried hard and everyone You can’t blame them either,” Alazeez continued. Associated Press.
Immediately after it was confirmed that Henderson would leave Al Etifaq, the club Said Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has signed a two-year contract extension to remain Al Etifaq’s head coach until 2027.
When I moved to Saudi Arabia last year, some people criticized Mr. Henderson was a champion of human rights and a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. ”Self-inflicted reputational damageBy immigrating to a country where same-sex sexual activity is a crime.
Mr. Henderson said:really hurt” and the backlash to his move led him to add that his intention “has always been to help the cause and the community.”
