Former Liverpool captain and Al-Ettifaq midfielder Jordan Henderson has dismissed claims that his surprise move to Saudi Arabia in 2023 led England manager Gareth Southgate to omit him from the Euro 2024 squad.

For twelve years he stayed with Liverpool leading the team through one of its most successful modern eras with a record of about eight trophies, however a reduction in his playing time during the 2022–2023 season, particularly in the second half of that campaign made him exit for Saudi’s Al-Ettifaq.

Southgate released his squad list for the Euro 2024 and for the first time, in about a decade, Henderson had been excluded. This sparked speculations with many linking the snub from his move to Saudi.

However, in a recent interview aired on October 7, he objected these claims saying, “I don’t think it was the reason why I missed the Euros. When I was in Saudi Arabia, I think I was in every camp before the Euros. Timing, with everything in hindsight, yes, maybe I would have made different decisions.”

He continued that, his decision to leave at such an unexpected period, when he had led the club to win the FA Community Shield in July 2022, he admitted was a tough one for him. If he had gotten just one person to appreciate his value as a team member, he would have rescinded his decision to leave Liverpool citing that he could have made a better decision concerning his move to Saudi.

“He said, “I am not going to lie, over the past couple of years, I have had some tough moments. It felt like a break-up when I left Liverpool. Of course, I’m not perfect, and I’ve made mistakes in the past. Of course, I will have throughout my career. But all I’ve ever tried to do is the right thing.”

Known as an ardent advocate of the LGBTQ community, Henderson came under heavy criticism following his move to Saudi Arabia, a place where same-sex marriage was illegal. The community was highly dissspointed. Consequently, he apologised saying he never meant to hurt anyone by moving to Saudi.

“I can understand the frustration. I can understand the anger. I get it. All I can say around that is that I’m sorry that they feel like that. My intention was never, ever to hurt anyone.”

However, currently, the 35-year-old is back in Europe, playing for Brentford since leaving Ajax in July this year. He apologised for letting down or hurting anyone in the community when he left Saudi Arabia to join Ajax six months later.

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 plenty to offer on the pitch.

“The most important people are the manager, the coaching staff and the players and what they think,” said Henderson.

“Ask them what they think, if I am a cheerleader when I am here. I don’t think one of the best managers in Europe would be choosing me just to do that.”

Meanwhile, Jordan Henderson have joined Brentford in a two-year deal.

He joined the Bees from Ajax on a free transfer. Speaking on the Brit's move to Brentford, head coach Keith Andrews expressed optimism in the former Liverpool player's imminent contribution to keeping the team in alignment.

He trusts his leadership skills, given his experience as a captain with Liverpool for nearly a decade from July 10, 2015, when he officially succeeded Steven Gerrard, until his departure in July 2023.

"When we became aware of Jordan’s availability, it was a pretty simple decision.”

“He’s still phenomenally fit and phenomenally motivated… he will drive standards and be a brilliant addition to the squad.” Keith Andrews noted.

Henderson, reacting to this, stated that,

“I’m delighted that I’m here; I’m very excited to get started and get going"

“I’ve always had huge admiration for the club and what they’ve achieved over the last few years… it was an easy decision in the end”, Henderson on why he chose the bees.

Several European and English clubs had eyes on Henderson, but Brentford were the frontrunners as they won the race to sign the former Liverpool skipper.

Playing in the Premier League will provide Henderson with the platform to stay in Thomas Tuchel's England squad before next summer's World Cup.

The deal formalities are expected to be confirmed in the coming days.

The move to Brentford will return Henderson to the Premier League after he left Liverpool in 2023.

During his 12 years at Anfield Henderson won the Premier League - the club's first league title in 30 years - Champions League, FA Cup, two League Cups, Club World Cup, Uefa Super Cup and Community Shield.

Henderson left the Reds to join Al-Ettifaq on July 27, 2023, in a three-year deal worth £700,000 per week, totalling nearly £36.5 million annually.

His pay made him the highest-paid English footballer at the time, but this 'luxury' lasted less than a year when he terminated his contract abruptly after 6 months, citing professional and personal reasons.

Henderson signed with Ajax on a free transfer, allegedly in an attempt to revive his career.

Henderson was left out of Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad, as he had not played for England since 2023.

After Tuchel's appointment as England head coach in January, Henderson has featured in both of the German's squads, making three appearances.