Despite a controversial exit, Jordan Henderson would like to say “goodbye” to Anfield.
Despite getting criticism for his leaving, Jordan Henderson has acknowledged he would welcome the chance for a testimonial or to say goodbye to the Anfield faithful in some way.
The midfielder’s 12-year tenure at the club came to an abrupt end when, in July, he joined the Premier League exodus to Saudi Arabia.
He missed the opportunity to say goodbye to The Kop at the season’s final home game due to the abruptness of the relocation.
After the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keita all said goodbye to Anfield, but Henderson was not given the same privilege.
In his first interview regarding the transfer, Henderson stated that the public had backed his choice to leave the team and that most of the criticism had come from the internet.
“I believe that a large portion of the bad response is on social media and in the media, which I stay away from. People have always wished me the best whenever I’ve seen them. Even Liverpool supporters,” Henderson remarked to The Athletic.
“I gave the club 12 years of my life. I gave it all to them. And if I could go back, I would do it all over again. They likely are aware of and grateful for that.
A testimonial of some kind would generally be given to players with the stature the former captain acquired while playing for Merseyside.
Many people’s perceptions of those accomplishments were tainted by the contentious manner of his departure, but Henderson said he would be open to making some kind of return to Anfield to cap off what was unquestionably an illustrious Liverpool career.
If I had the chance to say goodbye or if they welcomed my return, I wouldn’t be worried. Because I do feel a little stung by that.
“I believe that would be excellent and pleasant for me to do, since that does hurt,” the woman said. “If I had the chance to do something, whether that would be a testimony or simply to go back to say “bye.”
Whether the team decides to give Henderson a testimonial in the future is up in the air, but it would almost definitely elicit a range of reactions from fans.
The 33-year-old was an outspoken supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, but many felt that after moving to Saudi Arabia, he had abandoned those communities.
Since homosexuality is banned in Henderson’s new nation, several people thought that he had made this decision out of financial need rather than moral propriety.