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England midfielder Jordan Henderson states he has faced "difficult moments" after departing from Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and acknowledges he could "have made different decisions".

The 35-year-old was widely criticized for exiting Liverpool in 2023 to sign with Al-Ettifaq in a nation where homosexuality are against the law.

Henderson had been known as a prominent champion of LGBTQ+ rights and expressed regret for letting down or upsetting anyone in the community members when he departed from Saudi Arabia to join Ajax half a year after.

England Career and Reflections

Henderson was left out of Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad but has returned to the Premier League with Brentford and England's selection under Thomas Tuchel.

"In my opinion it was the reason why I missed the Euros," Henderson stated. "When I was in Saudi I feel I was in each gathering before the Euros."

"Timing-wise, with all things in retrospect, yes - maybe I would have made different decisions."

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

Emotional Struggles

"To be honest, over the past two years I have had some tough moments. It seemed like a parting when I left Liverpool."

"Certainly I'm not perfect and I've made mistakes in the past. Naturally I will have over my career."

"But all I've ever attempted to do is the proper thing."

International Experience

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

He is in Tuchel's squad to compete against Wales and Latvia this week and thinks he still has a lot to provide on the pitch.

"The key people are the coach, the backroom staff and the players and what they believe," said Henderson.

"Ask them what they think, if I am a cheerleader when I am here. I doubt one of the finest managers in Europe would be picking me just to do that."