Jordan Henderson has apologised to the LGBT+ neighborhood after the previous Liverpool captain’s transfer to Saudi Arabia.
The England worldwide, who joined Steve Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq this summer season in a £12m transfer, has been a vocal supporter of the neighborhood and campaigns to assist its inclusion within the sport.
Henderson, who has been a number one voice within the Rainbow Laces marketing campaign and has worn a rainbow armband when captaining Liverpool, induced controversy this summer season together with his transfer to Saudi Arabia, the place homosexuality is against the law.
“I can perceive the frustration [from the LGBT+ community],” Henderson informed The Athletic. “I can perceive the anger. I get it. All I can say round that’s that I’m sorry that they really feel like that. My intention was by no means, ever to harm anybody. My intention has all the time been to assist causes and communities the place I felt like they’ve requested for my assist.
Henderson was one in every of three Liverpool gamers to maneuver to the Saudi Professional League, with Fabinho signing for Al-Ittihad and Roberto Firmino linking up with Al-Ahli as a free agent.
The 33-year-old, who’s but to attain for Al-Ettifaq, has helped Gerrard’s aspect to a constructive begin. They’re presently sitting fifth within the desk after 5 video games.
Henderson was cautious when pushed about future involvement within the Rainbow Laces marketing campaign, highlighting the prospect that it may “disrespect the faith and tradition in Saudi Arabia”.
Henderson additionally insisted his transfer to the Saudi Professional League can have a constructive influence, however stopped in need of predicting any significant change.
“I feel folks know what my views and values had been earlier than I left and nonetheless do now. And I feel having somebody with these views and values in Saudi Arabia is just a constructive factor. I can’t promise something, however what I can do is sit right here and say I’ve my values and beliefs,” Henderson added.
“I’m comfy figuring out precisely what I’m and precisely what I stand for. However I get and I can settle for not everybody’s going to get that. In order that’s why I can solely apologise to these folks in the event that they really feel like that.”
