Henderson ‘sorry’ for hurting LGBTQ community over Saudi move

(FILES) Liverpool’s English midfielder Jordan Henderson applauds fans on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on April 1, 2023. – Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has completed his move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, both clubs announced on Wednesday, July 27. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

England midfielder Jordan Henderson has apologised for upsetting the LGBTQ community with his move to Saudi Arabia but said playing in the Gulf state is a “positive thing”.

The former Liverpool captain, a vocal supporter of gay rights, was fiercely criticised over his switch to the Saudi Pro League in July.

Henderson, in an interview with The Athletic, said he could understand the frustration and anger directed towards him.

“There can be a lot of criticism, a lot of negativity around me as a person, and that was difficult to take” he said.

“But I just feel as though, because I do care about different causes that I’ve been involved in, and different communities… I do care. And for people to criticise and say that I’d turned my back on them really, really hurt me.”

The Al-Ettifaq player added: “All I can say is that I apologise, I’m sorry that I’ve made them feel that way. But I haven’t changed as a person.”

Henderson said he would not rule out wearing rainbow laces to show support for LGBTQ people, but added he would not “disrespect the religion and culture in Saudi Arabia”.

And he argued that his move to the Gulf state, where he has been reunited with former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard, who is manager of Al-Ettifaq, is “positive”.

“People know what my views and values were before I left and still do now,” he said. “And