Jordan Henderson apologises to LGBTQ+ community for hurt caused by Saudi move

Jordan Henderson has apologised for any hurt he has caused to the LGBTQ+ community and insists his move to Saudi Arabia can help the gay rights movement.

The England midfielder was a high-profile and vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights as Liverpool captain but has been heavily criticised after agreeing to a lucrative switch to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq.

In an interview with The Athletic, the 33-year-old said the angry reaction to his move to a country which criminalises homosexuality has hurt him and hopes his presence in Saudi Arabia can help bring about positive change.

He also revealed he would not “rule out” wearing rainbow laces while playing for Al-Ettifaq.

Henderson said: “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. My intention has always been to help causes and communities where I felt like they have asked for my help.”

When told England’s LGBTQ+ fan group Pride in Football had urged its followers to turn their backs on him, Henderson said: “It hurts to hear that.

“I do care. I’m not one of these people who goes home, forgets about everything and is just like, ‘I’m fine, my family is fine, just crack on’. I do think about things a lot.

“But at the same time, I knew people can look at it like that, and they’re entitled to their opinion, they’re entitled to feel like that. 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 understands the criticism he received, but insists his values and beliefs have not changed.

“All I’ve ever tried to do is help. And when I’ve been asked for help, I’ve