Jordan Henderson departure was not because of money.

Jordan Henderson says his departure from Liverpool was “not about money,” but he didn’t “feel wanted” there.

For the first time, Jordan Henderson has discussed his decision to join the Saudi Pro League and addressed the criticism he has gotten for it.

Henderson joined Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq, ending his 12-year tenure with Liverpool, in a transaction reportedly valued over £12 million.

The 33-year-old had previously been outspoken in his support of LGBTQ+ communities, so his decision to travel to a nation where being a member of those communities is banned was controversial.

In his first public response to the transfer, Henderson rejected claims that his decision was motivated by money and cited a preseason conversation with Jurgen Klopp as a major influence on his decision.

I won’t go into detail about the chat because it was private, but it made it clear to me that I wouldn’t be playing as frequently. I was aware that new players would be entering my position, the former captain told David Ornstein and Adam Crafton of The Athletic.
That is not to say that they forced me to go or that they expressed a desire for me to do so, but I never felt as though the club or anyone wanted me to stay.

Regarding the finances and salary claims, Henderson asserts: “The numbers are simply unreliable. But once more, it had to be advantageous to us monetarily as well. I’m not saying it didn’t and I’m not saying, “Oh, I’m not on good money,” because it was good money and a fantastic deal, but the figures that were reported weren’t accurate. No.”

Given what Henderson was leaving behind, it will be challenging for his supporters to accept the idea that money wasn’t the deciding factor in his choice.