In an emotional farewell message to Liverpool supporters, Jordan Henderson has confirmed his imminent move to Al Ittifaq in the Saudi Pro League.
The move is set to make him one of the highest-paid players in the world, with reported wages of £700,000 per week.
The England international, who has been a crucial part of Liverpool’s success in recent years, left the club’s pre-season training camp in Germany to undergo medical tests in Manchester last week.
Now, in a touching goodbye video posted on Instagram, Henderson has expressed his gratitude to the fans and confirmed his departure from Anfield.
His move to Al Ittifaq will also see him reunite with his former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard, who is the current manager of the Saudi Arabian side.
Henderson’s departure marks the end of an era at Liverpool, as he leaves behind a legacy of leadership and dedication to the club.\
Jordan Henderson’s farewell message. #YNWA pic.twitter.com/SINNHJREDA
— The Anfield Talk (@TheAnfieldTalk) July 26, 2023
Henderson ends a 12-year association with Liverpool to join a side who are winless in their four pre-season friendlies under Gerrard.
However, the move has not come without criticism. The midfielder, who succeeded Gerrard as Liverpool captain eight years ago, has long been one of the LGBTQ+ communities’ strongest allies in the Premier League.
Yet he is moving to a country where being homosexual or transgender remains illegal, and where anyone who identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community can be subjected to severe penalties.
Ending the video, Henderson said: “Just know that I will always be a Red until the day I die. Thank you for everything.
“You will never walk alone”.