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English player Jordan Henderson states he has experienced "challenging moments" after leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and says he could "taken different decisions".

The experienced player faced criticism for leaving Liverpool in 2023 to play for Al-Ettifaq in a country where LGBTQ+ relationships are illegal.

Henderson had been known as a vocal champion of LGBTQ+ rights and apologized for letting down or hurting people in the community members when he departed from Saudi Arabia to move to Ajax following a six-month period.

International Career and Reflections

Henderson missed out on Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad but has come back to the Premier League with Brentford and England's selection under Thomas Tuchel.

"I don't believe it was the cause why I was excluded from the Euros," Henderson remarked. "While I was in Saudi I think I was in all the squads prior to the Euros."

"Timing, with the situation in retrospect, yes - maybe I would have made different decisions."

"But at the time that's how I felt and the decision I made was for numerous reasons and only I know those reasons."

Emotional Challenges

"To be honest, over the past few years I have had some tough moments. It was similar to a break-up when I left Liverpool."

"Certainly I'm not perfect and I've made errors in the past. Certainly I will have over my career."

"But all I've ever attempted to do is the proper thing."

International Experience

Henderson has earned 85 caps since making his England debut against France in 2010.

He is in Tuchel's squad to face Wales and Latvia this week and thinks he still has plenty to contribute on the pitch.

"The crucial people are the head coach, the backroom staff and the players and what they feel," said Henderson.

"Ask them what they believe, if I am a cheerleader when I am here. I don't think one of the top managers in Europe would be picking me just to do that."