Jordan Henderson 'apologises for offending anybody' with Al-Ettifaq transfer but new Ajax signing insists his 'beliefs have never changed'

The England international midfielder attracted plenty of criticism when opting to leave Liverpool for the Middle East in 2023 – with the 33-year-old having been a big advocate for LGBTQ+ rights during his time at Anfield.

Henderson is now back in Europe a matter of months later, having agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Ajax, and has expressed his regret at disappointing any followers – while maintaining that he has never altered his mindset. The former Liverpool captain said: “If any people from that community feel let down or hurt I apologise. If anyone was offended or feel as though I upset them, that's on me, that was my decision and I apologise for that. It was never my intention. I just want to look forward now and concentrate on being the best player I can for Ajax. My beliefs have never changed and never will. Again I can only apologise if people feel let down.”

Henderson said of cutting his time in the Saudi Pro League short, having initially committed to a £350,000-per-week contract at Al-Ettifaq: “I think a lot of people would like me to criticise the Saudi League, that's not something I'm going to do. I have a lot of respect for them and those that made me feel welcome. If anyone is offended, I apologise, that was never my intention.”

He added when asked if he has any regrets: “Looking back at the time, it was a big decision and one I felt was right for me. Things change quickly in football and I'm happy to make this decision (to come to Ajax) and I felt this opportunity was too big to turn down for me. In life, if you want to call them regrets or mistakes you can, but they're only mistakes if you don't learn from them and I learnt a lot of things about Saudi. I haven't got a bad word to say about anyone. I have friends over there I'll speak to forever and there were still positives to come out of it. In the end it didn't turn out way we both wanted to, but it ended on great terms.”

Henderson says he is now ready to commit himself fully to the Ajax cause, with the Dutch giants enduring uncharacteristic struggles this season that have left them fifth in the Eredivisie table and with the Europa League providing their only route to major silverware.