The England international has responded to the widespread criticism prompted by his move to Al-Ettifaq.
Among the topics discussed, he responded to criticism he has faced from LGBTQ+ groups, denied accusations his move was motivated by money and explained how he ‘did not feel wanted’ on Merseyside.Saudi Pro League sides have been prepared to shatter football’s already warped wage structure this summer. A reported £700,000-per-week deal will have seen Henderson quadruple the salary he was on at Liverpool.
Asked about that £700,000 number, he said: ‘No. I wish it was [true]. Honestly, the numbers just aren’t true. But again, it had to work out for us financially as well. I’m not saying that it didn’t and I’m not saying, “Oh, I’m not on good money” because it’s good money and it was a good deal but it wasn’t the numbers that were reported. No.
Throughout his career, Henderson has been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community with his switch to Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death, slammed by various groups in football and beyond.In response, Henderson told the Athletic: ‘I can understand the frustration. I can understand the anger. I get it. All I can say around that is that I’m sorry that they feel like that.
Henderson played a key role in leading Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces initiative in the Premier League but suggested he would not repeat such gestures in Saudi.‘I wouldn’t rule that out. But at the same time, what I wouldn’t do is disrespect the religion and culture in Saudi Arabia. If we’re all saying everybody can be who they want to be and everybody is inclusive, then we’ll have to respect that.
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