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England midfielder Jordan Henderson admits he has encountered "challenging moments" after leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia and acknowledges he could "have made different decisions".

The 35-year-old was widely criticized for exiting Liverpool in 2023 to play for Al-Ettifaq in a country where homosexuality are criminalized.

Henderson had been known as a high-profile advocate of LGBTQ+ rights and said sorry for disappointing or upsetting people in the LGBTQ+ community when he departed from Saudi Arabia to join Ajax half a year after.

England Career and Thoughts

Henderson was left out of Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad but is back to the Premier League with Brentford and the England squad 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 believe I was in all the squads prior to the Euros."

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

"But at the moment that's how I felt and the decision I made was for various reasons and solely I know those reasons."

Personal Challenges

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

"Certainly I'm not perfect and I've made mistakes in the past. Of course I will have during my career."

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

International Career

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 offer on the pitch.

"The most important people are the head coach, the backroom staff and the players and what they think," said Henderson.

"Inquire with them what they believe, if I am a cheerleader when I am here. I doubt one of the top managers in Europe would be choosing me just to do that."