Jordan Henderson insists he has “no regrets” about moving to Saudi Arabia despite the public backlash.
The England midfielder was heavily criticised after his summer transfer from Liverpool to Al-Ettifaq and then was booed off the Wembley pitch by England fans during the friendly win over Australia on Friday night.
The midfielder had been a high-profile supporter of LGBTQ+ rights during his time at Anfield and last month apologised for any hurt he caused by moving to a country where homosexuality is illegal.
Jordan Henderson’s first tv interview since the move to Saudi Arabia. On @C4Sport ahead of England v Italy - live from 7pm. #england pic.twitter.com/P46mA9TpSC
He says his beliefs have not changed and he can do good while playing there.
Asked in an interview with Channel 4 whether he had regrets about moving to Saudi Arabia, he said: “No regrets.
“I think having someone like myself, with the values that I have, in Saudi Arabia is only a good thing. Before I went to Saudi people knew the groups I supported and helped in the past.
“My values haven’t changed as a person just because I’m going to a different country to play football.”
Henderson says the booing may have been in part due to an interview he conducted shortly after his move where he claimed the eye-watering wages were not a factor.
“After the game I got told there was a little bit going on,” the 33-year-old added.
“Of course it hurts because every time you pull on that shirt it’s a proud moment and I’m playing for my team-mates, for my country and for the fans.
“So of course it hurts but at the end of the day that’s part and parcel – I’ve had enough criticism over my career so far to be able to deal with stuff like that I’m not the first player to get booed
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