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England player Jordan Henderson reveals he has encountered "challenging moments" after departing from Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and admits he might "have made different decisions".

The experienced player was widely criticized for departing Liverpool in 2023 to sign with Al-Ettifaq in a nation where homosexuality are against the law.

Henderson had formerly been a high-profile advocate of LGBTQ+ rights and apologized for disappointing or hurting anyone in the LGBTQ+ community when he departed from Saudi Arabia to sign with Ajax following a six-month period.

England Selection and Thoughts

Henderson was omitted from Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad but is back to the Premier League with Brentford and the national team under Thomas Tuchel.

"In my opinion it was the cause why I missed the Euros," Henderson remarked. "While I was in Saudi I think I was in all the squads prior to the Euros."

"Regarding timing, with all things in retrospect, yes - possibly I would have taken different decisions."

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

Personal Struggles

"To be honest, over the past two years I have had various tough moments. It was similar to a separation when I left Liverpool."

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

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

England Career

Henderson has won 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 believes he still has plenty to provide 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 cheerleader when I am here. I don't believe one of the top managers in Europe would be selecting me just to do that."