Jordan Henderson has once again apologised to the LGBTQ+ community for any hurt he caused with his controversial move to Saudi Arabia.
Henderson, a long-time supporter of LGBTQ+ rights during his time at Liverpool, came in for severe criticism for what was seen as turning his back on the community with a move to Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is outlawed.
The 33-year-old apologised earlier this year and argued that he wanted to use his time in the Middle East to try and impact social change, only to return to Europe six months later with a free transfer to Dutch giants Ajax.
Asked whether he has to rebuild his relationship with the LGBTQ+ community, Henderson told a press conference: “I said six months ago that if I offended anybody or people felt as though I let them down then I apologise for that, and I apologise again.
“As I said before, my beliefs have never changed and never will. I can apologise if people feel let down. I haven’t changed as a person and never have. I want to continue to focus on my football and give everything I can for this great football club.”
He added: “All I have ever done in the past is help people who have asked for my help. If any people from that community feel let down, I apologise. That was never my intention. I had to what is right for me and my family. But I understand it at the same time.”
Having called time on his Saudi Arabian adventure after just six months, Henderson was then asked whether he regretted walking away from Liverpool and heading to Al Ettifaq.
“Looking back at the time it was obviously a big decision and a decision I felt was right for me and my family at the time,” he continued. “But things happen and change quickly in football. I had to make another decision and this was the one I felt was the right one for me. The opportunity was too big to turn down, playing at this great football club. I was excited by the opportunity and that’s why I wanted to come.”
Pressed on whether that response was an admission of regret, the former Liverpool captain added: “In life, if you want to call them regrets or mistakes you can call them that.
“At the same time they are only mistakes if you don’t learn from them. I learned a lot of things in Saudi. There were a lot of different experiences. I haven’t got a bad word to say about anybody over there in the the league, in the club, the people. They tried to make me feel as comfortable possible, and my family
“I have friends over there that I’ll speak to forever. So there’s still positives to come out of it. In the end it didn’t turn out the way we both wanted it to but we ended on great terms. We shake hands and move forward.”
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