Celtic supervisor Brendan Rodgers has criticised the “morality officers” who’ve rounded on Jordan Henderson following his transfer to Saudi Arabian membership Al-Ettifaq.
The previous Liverpool captain, as a long-time supporter of the LGBT+ neighborhood, has drawn widespread condemnation for his determination to maneuver to a rustic the place homosexuality is prohibited.
Nonetheless, Rodgers – who managed Henderson throughout his three years at Anfield – defended a participant’s determination to decide on the place they ply their commerce.
“It’s their occupation, it’s their life in order that they must do what’s finest for them,” Rodgers informed talkSPORT. “There are such a lot of morality officers around the globe these days which can be judging individuals.
“However Jordan I do know extraordinarily properly and I do know the love he had and can all the time have for Liverpool.
“He was on the stage of his profession the place he most likely wasn’t going to be the primary title on the teamsheet any extra.
“At 32 years of age, he’s received completely the whole lot. He most likely fancied a special problem and out of respect, it most likely didn’t really feel proper for him being at one other Premier League membership.
“So to go overseas and tackle a brand new problem clearly suited him.”
There are such a lot of morality officers around the globe these days which can be judging individuals
Brendan Rodgers on Jordan Henderson’s state of affairs
In his interview with The Athletic, Henderson careworn cash was not a motivating issue for him and denied experiences he was incomes £700,000-a-week.
However the wealth of the Saudi Professional League, notably Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli who’re backed by the nation’s sovereign wealth fund, has undoubtedly had an enormous influence on this summer time’s switch window and can on home windows to come back.
“It’s positively one thing that makes gamers wobble due to the cash that’s talked about and what it will possibly do for gamers and the legacy it will possibly create for his or her households for years down the road,” Rodgers added.
“What makes (Saudi Arabia) harmful shouldn’t be solely the cash, they’ve a plan. The plan is attracting high gamers and seeking to get high managers on the market.”