Jordan Henderson has protested that he is “not a politician” and cannot influence change in Saudi Arabia off the pitch.
The England international also reiterated his support for Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 World Cup and said it is “exciting times for them as a country”.
The 33-year-old’s transfer from Liverpool to Saudi Pro-League club Al-Ettifaq, joining up with coach Steven Gerrard, was one of the most controversial and surprising of the summer. Having long been an advocate of LGBTQ+ rights Henderson suffered a backlash for moving to a country where homosexuality is criminalised.
Asked again whether he was taken back by the criticism he has received, Henderson said: “No, I haven’t been surprised by that because I can understand the reasons in what they’re saying. I look at it from a different point of view, obviously. But I can understand it and I’ve got to take that on the chin.
“But as I keep on saying, it doesn’t change the person that I am. I’m playing football in a different country in Saudi where I want to try to improve the game on the pitch but also things off the pitch as well. That’s all I keep trying to do.”
Henderson has previously suggested that his “values” might help “open up” Saudi Arabia but pressed on what he actually meant by saying “off the pitch”, he initially said: “The whole league” before adding that he only meant change in terms of improving the football.
“Yeah, the football, I’m not a politician. You know what I mean?” the midfielder said. “I’m not going to get into politics. All I’ve ever done is concentrate on my football and try to help people that have asked for my help.
“When I’m going out there, I’m just playing football trying to improve the league, trying to improve my own team and trying to win football games. I do the same when I come here (with England).”
Nevertheless Henderson was booed off after being substituted in the 63rd minute of Friday’s 1-0 friendly win over Australia at Wembley Stadium – ahead of Tuesday’s European Championships qualifier against Italy - in what was his first match back on home soil following his move.
‘If people want to boo, that’s fine’
He was named captain by Gareth Southgate with the England manager defending Henderson after the game and stating that he did not understand the reaction. Team-mates such as Kieran Trippier also rallied around.
Asked whether he understood why he was being booed, Henderson said: “It’s not nice, your own fans, if they were booing. But listen, people have got their own opinions. Whenever I bump into anyone on the street it’s always been positive stuff and nice things said.
“If people want to boo if I’m playing in a different country, that’s fine. Like I said, everyone is going to have an opinion over when I’m playing over in Saudi.
“I’ve spoken in the past about the reasons for that. Whether people believe me or not is up to them. But when I’m here with England, it doesn’t change anything. I give absolutely everything. Of course, it’s disappointing, but it won’t change what I do here. I want to keep playing and keep fighting and help the team become successful.”
Henderson said he appreciated Southgate’s backing: “The gaffer has been really good as always, to be honest, I’ve always felt support and backing from him and the rest of the lads”.
Henderson was one of a number of high-profile players now in Saudi to recently lend his support to the 2034 World Cup bid. He sent a selfie video to the Saudi broadcaster Asharq Al-Awsat, based in London, declaring: “Very excited about the announcement. Go Saudi Arabia 2034.”
Henderson explained why he had no qualms about supporting the bid, which would mean another winter World Cup. “I mean 2034, I think by that time they will put on a pretty good World Cup,” he said. “So, I think that’s exciting times for them as a country and I think it will be a special tournament if they ended up getting it.
“I’ve been there for two months and there’s been no issues in terms of fans or anything like that.
“I think, you know, when we look at (the last World Cup in) Qatar, the way that they did the job there it was a good tournament, I think the fans enjoyed the tournament and I think Saudi would be no different.”
Questions have also been raised as to whether Henderson will be able to keep his place in England’s squad for next summer’s European Championships given he now features in what is undoubtedly an inferior league.
“I’m playing in that league now and I’m still here, still playing,” Henderson argued. “So, I had conversations before with the manager (Southgate), what I thought was the right move for me at that time with everything that was going on at Liverpool as well.
“So it was a big decision, but one where I felt as though I could still be playing regularly. Maybe not yet in a top league like the Premier League, of course.
“But I think when you’re talking about that, you’re talking about physical attributes and physical attributes aren’t a problem for me.
“I’m an experienced player, I know how to play football, you don’t forget that when you just go out and play in a different league. So, when I’ve been back here when, I’ve trained when I’ve played games, I’ve felt as good as ever really.”
Henderson added: “I mean, look at my numbers physically and my output in a game, whether that’s in Saudi, whether that’s here for England, I don’t see that as an issue.
“That’s why I want to keep on playing as long as I possibly can for England because it means a lot to me and always has done and I want to try and help the team become successful in games here but also in big tournaments and, hopefully, I can keep performing, I can keep fit and then stay in the squad for the tournament next summer.”
