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England player Jordan Henderson states he has experienced "tough moments" since departing from Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and acknowledges he might "taken different decisions".

The veteran midfielder was widely criticized for exiting Liverpool in 2023 to sign with Al-Ettifaq in a country where LGBTQ+ relationships are criminalized.

Henderson had previously been a high-profile supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and expressed regret for upsetting or hurting anyone in the community members when he exited Saudi Arabia to sign with Ajax six months later.

England Career and Reflections

Henderson missed out on Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad but has returned to the Premier League with Brentford and the England squad under Thomas Tuchel.

"I don't believe it was the factor why I missed the Euros," Henderson remarked. "While I was in Saudi I feel I was in every camp before the Euros."

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

"But at the time that's how I thought and the decision I made was for various reasons and I alone know them reasons."

Personal Challenges

"I am not going to lie, over the past couple of years I have had various tough moments. It was similar to a separation when I left Liverpool."

"Of course I'm not perfect and I've made errors in the past. Naturally I will have during my career."

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

International Experience

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

He is in Tuchel's squad to face Wales and Latvia this week and thinks he still has plenty to offer on the pitch.

"The crucial people are the coach, the technical staff and the players and what they think," said Henderson.

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