Jordan Henderson: England midfielder condemned by ethics officials, says Brendan Rodgers Liverpool fan disappointed with Henderson transfer after previous LGBT support Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has defended Jordan Henderson amid criticism from “moral officials” over the Liverpool midfielder’s move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ettifaq.
The England player, who Rodgers managed at Anfield between 2012 and 2015, was widely criticized for moving to a country where homosexuality is illegal.
They [the players] have to do what’s best for them,” Rodgers told Talksport. External link “Nowadays there are so many moral officers who judge people.
Henderson, who captained Liverpool, faced more criticism than most big-name players who moved to Saudi Arabia’s professional league this year because he was seen as a long-term supporter of the LGBTQ community. In an interview with the Athletic this week, Henderson said the criticism really hurt. “When I hear things like, ‘You turned your back on us,’ it hurts me. I worry,” the 33-year-old said. “It’s hard for me to know and understand everything because it’s part of the [Islamic] religion.
“So if I wear a rainbow ribbon and it doesn’t respect their religion, it’s not right either. Everyone should respect religion and culture.” Rodgers added: “I know Jordan very well and I know his love for Liverpool and always will.
He was at a point in his career where he probably wouldn’t be the first name on the team sheet anymore. “He won absolutely everything.
He probably liked the different challenge and respect, it probably didn’t feel right to be at another Premier League club. “So going abroad for a new challenge clearly suited him.” Defender Jota left Rodgers’ Celtic for another Saudi Arabian club, Al-Ittihad, this summer.
Many top players from Europe’s top leagues have traveled there this summer, including Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema and Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez. Rodgers said: “It’s definitely something that will shake the players because of the money that’s being talked about and what it can do to the players and the legacy it can create for their families over the years.
“What makes [Saudi Arabia] dangerous They not only have the money, they have the plan. The plan is to attract top players and send top managers.”
