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England player Jordan Henderson states he has experienced "tough moments" since leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and says he could "have made different decisions".

The 35-year-old received backlash for departing Liverpool in 2023 to play for Al-Ettifaq in a nation where LGBTQ+ relationships are illegal.

Henderson had been known as a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and said sorry for letting down or offending anyone in the LGBTQ+ community when he exited Saudi Arabia to move to Ajax half a year after.

England Career and Reflections

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

"In my opinion it was the cause why I missed the Euros," Henderson commented. "When I was in Saudi I feel I was in each gathering before the Euros."

"Timing, with everything in looking back, yes - possibly I would have made different decisions."

"However at the period that's how I felt and the decision I made was for various reasons and only I know the rationale."

Personal Challenges

"Honestly speaking, over the past two years I have had various tough moments. It seemed like a parting when I left Liverpool."

"Naturally I'm not perfect and I've made mistakes in the past. Certainly I will have throughout my career."

"However all I've ever attempted to do is the right thing."

International Career

Henderson has earned 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 contribute on the pitch.

"The crucial people are the manager, 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 doubt one of the top managers in Europe would be choosing me just to do that."