Steven Gerrard, according to Jordan Henderson, was a major factor in his decision to depart from Liverpool this summer. After 12 years of outstanding performance, Henderson left Anfield in July. His decision of joining Al Etiffaq in Saudi Arabia, was shocking and disappointing for the entire Liverpool fan community. And now, for the very first time since his move, the 33-year-old shared some of his thoughts in public via BeanymanSports.
Jordan Henderson says Gerrard attracted him to play for Al Etiffaq
After being identified as a priority signing by the team’s new boss Gerrard, Henderson signed for Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ettifaq for £12 million. During the course of his multi-year contract with Al Ettifaq, the 33-year-old is projected to make a staggering £700,000 per week while playing for the Saudi side. The sum is nearly £500,000 above what he was making at Liverpool.
“Stevie [Gerrard] was a big reason obviously why I came to work with him and play under him,” Henderson reveals.
“We’ve had some good training sessions, not many, had one game, so not loads.”
“But we need to be ready in the next week or so for the first game and I’m sure we will be. We’ve had some good training sessions, a good result the other night so hopefully we can keep moving things in the right direction and work together to make the team better and more successful.”
The departure of Liverpool Captain has opened the gates for several youngsters
It’s unlikely this particular transfer would have occurred at all without Gerrard. There were whispers that the former captain was drawing interest from clubs like PSG and Atletico Madrid in 2021, when a contract offer seemed to on the table. But he rejected the idea of moving out proving his loyalty. However, it seems incredibly doubtful that such a calibre of team would be interested in him two years later.
Henderson might have gone to another Premier League team at any time. But after spending so much time leading Liverpool to victories, it doesn’t feel like it could have actually happened. In light of this, we believe Jordan would have remained in Liverpool. However he eventually got carried away by Gerrard’s charm and the enormous salaries on offer.
Maybe everything will turn out to be a blessing in disguise in some respects. Henderson was not the same player as he was the previous season. Several Pundits slammed him for his poor performaces last season. Thus in some ways he hampered the development of players like Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, and Stefan Bajcetic. After Stevie snatched him away, Liverpool’s midfield appears to be in need of reinforcements. However, their young, brilliant players will undoubtedly reap the rewards in long-term future.
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