For over a decade, Jordan Henderson was the heartbeat of Liverpool’s midfield — a captain, a leader, and a fan favorite. But when he walked out of Anfield in 2023, he left more than just a football club behind. He left a part of himself.
The former Liverpool skipper has now spoken honestly about the emotional toll of his exit and the difficult journey that followed. After 12 years and nearly 500 appearances for the Reds, Henderson admits he “struggled for a period” after leaving the club that shaped his career.
“It was a really tough period when I left Liverpool,” Henderson said (via The Athletic). “I was there for a long time, 12 years. Leaving Liverpool itself was huge and really difficult. At any point it was going to be hard because it had been my life for so long.”
The midfielder revealed that he couldn’t even bring himself to watch Liverpool matches after his departure. “I couldn’t watch a lot of games, I certainly couldn’t watch Liverpool,” he admitted. “It felt like a breakup.”
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Jordan Henderson: “Maybe I would have made different decisions”
Henderson’s next move only added to the heartbreak. His switch to Saudi Arabian club Al Ettifaq drew heavy criticism from fans and pundits alike, especially given his past support for LGBTQ+ rights. He now admits that, in hindsight, things might have gone differently.
“Timing, with everything in hindsight, yes, maybe I would have made different decisions,” Henderson confessed. “But at the time, that’s how I felt. The decision I made was for many different reasons, and only I know them.”
His stint in Saudi Arabia lasted just six months before he moved to Ajax, and eventually back to the Premier League with Brentford. Looking back, Henderson says the experience taught him more than any victory or trophy ever could.
“I’ve had some tough moments,” he said. “But when you come out the other side, you learn a lot about yourself. It makes you stronger, makes you think differently. Of course, I’m not perfect and I’ve made mistakes. But all I’ve ever tried to do is the right thing and help people around me.”
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A new chapter, but the same fire
Now back in England, Henderson seems more motivated than ever. The midfielder insists he still has a role to play — for Brentford and for England.
And when critics suggest he’s past his prime, Henderson responds with the same calm determination that made him captain of one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
“The most important people are the manager, the coaching staff, and the players,” he said firmly. “Ask them if I’m just a cheerleader when I’m here. I don’t think one of the best managers in Europe would be choosing me just to do that.”
As he prepares for another season in the Premier League, Henderson may not wear Liverpool red anymore — but his story is still one every football fan can relate to: loyalty, loss, regret, and redemption.
Jordan Henderson stats with Liverpool
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool FC | 492 | 33 | 58 | 54 | 1 | 36,530′ |