Jordan Henderson has insisted his move to Saudi Arabia was not motivated by money and sought to appease the LGBTQ+ community by claiming he can be a force for good in the region.
The 33-year-old left Liverpool this summer to join Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq in a £13 million ($16.3m) deal that provoked anger given the country's appalling human rights record.
Henderson had previously been a strong advocate of the LGBTQ+ community — supporting the «Rainbow Laces» campaign and championing other anti-discriminatory initiatives — but England fan group 3LIONSPRIDE plan to turn their back on the midfielder if he plays against Ukraine or Scotland later this month in protest at his move.
Speaking to The Athletic, Henderson defended his decision, saying the challenge of developing a fledgling league under his former teammate Steven Gerrard's tutelage was the reason he left Liverpool after 12 years. «All I've ever tried to do is help,» Henderson said. «And when I've been asked for help, I've gone above and beyond to help.