When Jordan Henderson was unveiled as an Al-Ettifaq player in the summer, the club produced a no-expense-spared video package. As well as blurring out the rainbow armband Henderson wore in solidarity with the LBGTQ+ community during his time as Liverpool captain, the Saudi Pro League side boldly proclaimed their marquee signing was: "someone who runs towards fresh challenges rather than shy away. The perfect embodiment of the Ettifaq DNA."
Following the news that Henderson is seeking an exit from the club, just six months after his arrival, this statement is now steeped in irony. Irony that will taste particularly delicious to the player's critics - of which there were many after he signed up to the "exciting project" back in July.
Since then, Henderson has passionately and publicly defended his decision in a string of interviews. However, with the midfielder's Middle Eastern sojourn seemingly drawing to a premature end, it's impossible not to draw negative conclusions about his motivations for making the move.
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=640&quality=60)