Henderson now an Ajax player
MOVE: LEAVES SAUDI CLUB AL-ETTIFAQ AFTER SIX MONTHS
England and former Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has joined Dutch giants Ajax, the club said on Thursday, only six months after his move to Saudi Arabia sparked controversy over gay rights.
The 33-year-old, who played nearly 500 games for Liverpool, transferred to Al-Ettifaq in July in a deal with reported wages of up to £700 000 per week.
“We wanted an experienced midfielder with leadership qualities...Jordan Henderson is that type of player,” said Ajax coach John van ‘t Schip in a statement.
“His arrival means a huge enhancement for our squad. Both on and off the pitch, a football player of this calibre is important for our many young players,” he added.
Saudi club Al-Ettifaq is coached by Anfield legend Steven Gerrard, whom Henderson replaced as Liverpool captain in 2015.
Saad Allazeez, Vice Chairman and interim CEO of the SPL said the deal suited everyone to resolve ths situation.
“Sometimes despite best efforts people don’t always adjust or settle,” said Allazeez.
“Everyone tried and no one is to blame,” he added.
But the move to Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is illegal, sparked accusations of hypocrisy given Henderson’s outspoken support for the LGBT+ community.
Pride in Football, a network of LGBT+ fan groups, said at the time: “When you see someone who has been an ally so publicly transfer to a club in a country where LGBT+ people are attacked and imprisoned, it is disappointing.”
“Good luck in Saudi Arabia Jordan, but you have lost the respect of so many people who valued you and trusted you.”
Former Aston Villa and Stuttgart midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, who came out as gay in 2014, also criticised the move.
Henderson himself said he was hurt by the criticism and apologised if the gay community felt he was turning his back on them.
He said his presence in Saudi Arabia, given his well-publicised views, “is only a positive thing.”
He also said reports about his salary were over-inflated and that he was not motivated by the money. –