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England player Jordan Henderson states he has faced "difficult moments" after leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and says he could "have made different decisions".

The veteran midfielder faced criticism for exiting Liverpool in 2023 to join Al-Ettifaq in a nation where LGBTQ+ relationships are criminalized.

Henderson had previously been a prominent advocate of LGBTQ+ rights and said sorry for upsetting or hurting people in the LGBTQ+ community when he exited Saudi Arabia to join Ajax half a year after.

England 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 factor why I didn't make the Euros," Henderson commented. "When I was in Saudi I believe I was in each gathering prior to the Euros."

"Timing-wise, with the situation in retrospect, yes - possibly I would have taken different decisions."

"But at the period that's how I believed and the decision I made was for many different reasons and only I know them reasons."

Emotional Struggles

"To be honest, over the past couple of years I have had several tough moments. It felt like a parting when I left Liverpool."

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

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

England Experience

Henderson has gained 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 a lot to offer on the pitch.

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

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