Jordan Henderson has protested that he is “not a politician” and cannot influence change in Saudi Arabia off the pitch.
The England international also reiterated his support for Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 World Cup and said it is “exciting times for them as a country”.
The 33-year-old’s transfer from Liverpool to Saudi Pro-League club Al-Ettifaq, joining up with coach Steven Gerrard, was one of the most controversial and surprising of the summer. Having long been an advocate of LGBTQ+ rights Henderson suffered a backlash for moving to a country where homosexuality is criminalised.
Asked again whether he was taken back by the criticism he has received, Henderson said: “No, I haven’t been surprised by that because I can understand the reasons in what they’re saying. I look at it from a different point of view, obviously. But I can understand it and I’ve got to take that on the chin.
“But as I keep on saying, it doesn’t change the person that I am. I’m playing football in a different country in Saudi where I want to try to improve the game on the pitch but also things off the pitch as well. That’s all I keep trying to do.”
Henderson has previously suggested that his “values” might help “open up” Saudi Arabia but pressed on what he actually meant by saying “off the pitch”, he initially said: “The whole league” before adding that he only meant change in terms of improving the football.
“Yeah, the football, I’m not a politician. You know what I mean?” the midfielder said. “I’m not going to get into politics. All I’ve ever done is concentrate on my football and try to help people that have asked for my help.
“If people want to boo if I’m playing in a different country, that’s fine. Like I said, everyone is going to have an opinion over when I’m playing over in Saudi.
“I’ve spoken in the past about the reasons for that. Whether people believe me or not is up to them. But when I’m here with England, it doesn’t change anything. I give absolutely everything. Of course, it’s disappointing, but it won’t change what I do here. I want to keep playing and keep fighting and help the team become successful.”
Henderson said he appreciated Southgate’s backing: “The gaffer has been really good as always, to be honest, I’ve always felt support and backing from him and the rest of the lads”.
Henderson was one of a number of high-profile players now in Saudi to recently lend his support to the 2034 World Cup bid. He sent a selfie video to the Saudi broadcaster Asharq Al-Awsat, based in London, declaring: “Very excited about the announcement. Go Saudi Arabia 2034.”
Henderson explained why he had no qualms about supporting the bid, which would mean another winter World Cup.
“I mean 2034, I think by that time they will put on a pretty good World Cup,” he said. “So, I think that’s exciting times for them as a country and I think it will be a special tournament if they ended up getting it.
“I’ve been there for two months and there’s been no issues in terms of fans or anything like that.
“I think, you know, when we look at (the last World Cup in) Qatar, the way that they did the job there it was a good tournament, I think the fans enjoyed the tournament and I think Saudi would be no different.”
