Saudi chief launches Henderson defence and claims former Liverpool man ‘shouldn’t be vilified’

Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has come under fire for his move to Al-Ettifaq, but the Saudi Pro League Director of Football has come to his defence.

The England international called it quits on his Liverpool career this summer and decided to link up with former team-mate Steven Gerrard in Saudi Arabia.

Plenty of players have come under fire for making the move to Saudi, but the spotlight on Henderson has been especially bright due to his ties with the LGBT+ community.

Henderson seemingly only made things worse for himself when he gave an interview to The Athletic to explain the controversial switch.

“People can believe me or not, but in my life and my career, money has never been a motivation,” Henderson explained.

While plenty of pundits have piled in on Henderson of late, Saudi Pro League Director of Football Michael Emenalo has come to his defence.

“Well first, I am very proud of Jordan,” Emenalo told Sky Sports. “I’m very proud that he chose, of his own volition, to express support and values that he shares.

“He shouldn’t be vilified for that. I’m very proud that he is able to make a decision, professionally, that allows him and his family to continue to live the life that he wants to live.

“The Jordan Henderson I know hasn’t changed, I met and had a conversation with him. He remains passionate about the game and about life, he remains passionate about his beliefs.

“I have nothing but the best wishes for him and I’m sure that he will help not only the league grow on the pitch, but also off of it with some of these issues. I have no doubt he will be a wonderful addition to our league.”

Despite the noise currently surrounding Henderson, Gareth Southgate still chose to include the former Liverpool man in his latest England squad.

Southgate has said that he won’t be swayed by any ‘external reaction’ when it comes to selecting the England team.

“No, I don’t pick the team based on external reaction as you’ll be well aware over the course of seven years,” Southgate explained.

“But he’s a very experienced professional. He is very mature at handling any situation, really.

“He’s trained really well this week, the whole group have. I’ve been really pleased with the approach to everything. Everybody is available, which is good for us.”

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp deserved better than being chucked under the bus by Jordan Henderson…