Jordan Henderson embraces challenge in Saudi Arabia and insists England career is not over

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.

Ettifaq, whose two league successes both came in the 1980s, finished seventh in the standings last season.

In his first interview since transferring to the Dammam side, Henderson told the Saudi Pro League’s official channel: “It's crazy; I don't think a few years ago I would've said I would be sitting here.

“It's a different experience, different culture, different way of living and playing football, really. So, I'm trying to embrace it. It's exciting and something new for us.

“This is a totally different project and experience, and it's one of the reasons I wanted to come and try something completely different than I was used to for however many years. I’m excited and happy to be here and to get started. I will learn a lot about myself in