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English player Jordan Henderson states he has encountered "difficult moments" since departing from Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and says he might "taken different decisions".

The experienced player was widely criticized for exiting Liverpool in 2023 to sign with Al-Ettifaq in a country where LGBTQ+ relationships are illegal.

Henderson had formerly been a high-profile supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and apologized for disappointing or offending people in the LGBTQ+ community when he exited Saudi Arabia to move to Ajax six months later.

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 England squad under Thomas Tuchel.

"In my opinion it was the factor why I was excluded from the Euros," Henderson remarked. "While I was in Saudi I feel I was in each gathering leading up to the Euros."

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

"But at the moment that's how I believed and the decision I made was for various reasons and solely I know those reasons."

Emotional Challenges

"To be honest, over the past few years I have had several tough moments. It felt like a parting when I left Liverpool."

"Of course I'm not perfect 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."

International Career

Henderson has won 85 caps since making his England debut against France in 2010.

He is in Tuchel's squad to play Wales and Latvia this week and feels he still has a lot to offer on the pitch.

"The key people are the manager, the technical staff and the players and what they think," said Henderson.

"Inquire with them what they feel, if I am a motivator when I am here. I doubt one of the best managers in Europe would be selecting me just to do that."