Jordan Henderson was recently subjected to the displeasure of his own supporters while wearing the England national jersey. This presumably also had something to do with a video.
The excitement caused by Jordan Henderson’s summer move to Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia has yet to die down. When the 33-year-old midfielder came on in England’s test match against Australia (1-0) last Friday, he had to listen to repeated boos at Wembley.
Coach Gareth Southgate had already expressed his incomprehension immediately after the match, and now Henderson himself has also spoken out. At first, he claimed to “not really” know why he was booed. Only after a reporter pointed it out did he say: “If people want to boo me because I play in another country, that’s fine. Everyone has their opinion about playing in Saudi Arabia.”
Henderson had emerged as a public supporter of the LGBTQ community in recent years and faced plenty of criticism after his move to a country where homosexuality is punishable. He himself had shown understanding for the anger and expressed his conviction that his change was something “positive”. “Whether people believe us or not is up to them,” Henderson now found. “But if I play for England, nothing changes. I give absolutely everything.” That’s why the boos were “obviously disappointing”.
“I think it will be a special tournament “
Recently, Henderson had even publicly campaigned in a video for Saudi Arabia to host the 2034 World Cup, adding fuel to the fire. “These are exciting times for them as a country and I think it will be a special tournament if they get it,” he said on Sunday. “I have been there for two months and there have been no problems with fans or anything like that. When we look at Qatar, it was a good tournament. I think the fans enjoyed the tournament and I think it will be no different in Saudi Arabia.” Henderson had still described the World Cup award to Qatar as “shocking”.
Although Henderson is not being challenged anywhere near as much in the Saudi Professional League as he was previously with Liverpool FC, he should be pretty much assured of his place at Euro 2024. He is not worried about his physical condition anyway. “I feel as fit as ever. “
