Jordan Henderson has cited Steven Gerrard and the opportunity to experience “something completely different” as principal reasons for joining the Saudi Pro League, with the England midfielder insisting his international career is not over simply because of the move to the kingdom.
The former Liverpool captain, 33, last month brought to a close a 12-year stay at Anfield, when he signed for Al Ettifaq on a three-year contract.
The transfer fee is understood to have been £12 million ($15.5m). In all, Henderson made 492 appearances at Liverpool, winning seven major trophies including the 2018/19 Uefa Champions League and the 2019/20 Premier League title – the club's first top-flight crown in 30 years.
At Ettifaq, Henderson will be managed by Gerrard, a former teammate and predecessor as captain at Liverpool. Henderson is one of a number of summer recruits at the two-time Saudi champions, alongside former Celtic and Lyon striker Moussa Dembele, and defender Jack Hendry from Club Brugge.