Jurgen Klopp has defended Jordan Henderson‘s choice to return to Europe simply six months after a failed high-profile transfer to the Saudi Professional League.
The previous Liverpool captain introduced an finish to a trophy-laden 12-year stint at Anfield with a purpose to be a part of the exodus to Saudi Arabia final summer time.
Having beforehand been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ neighborhood, Henderson was broadly condemned for transferring to a rustic the place homosexuality is prohibited.
However he subsequently pushed again on solutions that he had compromised his beliefs or moved solely for cash in an interview with The Athletic that solely invited additional criticism.
A glance behind the scenes… ?? pic.twitter.com/7IubDorNSu
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) January 18, 2024
He has now contradicted himself in returning on the first alternative, cancelling his Al Ettifaq contract by mutual settlement and joining Dutch giants Ajax.
Klopp insists his former skipper doesn’t need to be judged too harshly, although.
He mentioned: “No, I didn’t communicate to him after. However I’m completely satisfied for him because it appears like he’s completely satisfied and that’s the most essential factor to me.
“Sometimes I neglect I really don’t learn these sort of tales, however when it’s not about us I learn a bit.
“Persons are actually essential of Hendo in regards to the transfer, first there and now coming again. I don’t know the way we dare, at all times judging these sort issues.
“We have now one life and we now have to make selections, and generally our selections are good within the first case, and generally it feels completely different after you made them.
“He was there and it was one hundred pc an fascinating expertise. I spoke to him and 99 % of soccer issues there have been completely high-quality.
“It’s the begin of one thing and it isn’t like it’s right here – think about it could instantly be like that.
“There are various issues to develop sooner or later however (he was) by no means actually essential or saying ‘It’s not potential that that’s not there’.
I’m unhappy to say that I can be leaving Al Ettifaq with fast impact. It wasn’t a simple choice however one which I really feel is finest for me and my household.
I wish to take this chance to thank the membership & the followers for all of the help throughout my time. I actually felt the love from Day… pic.twitter.com/Jouk4ad6Gf— Jordan Henderson (@JHenderson) January 18, 2024
“However then he thought it’s higher for him and the household to come back again to Europe and now he’s right here, at Ajax Amsterdam, a sensational membership in a tough second.
“Ajax at all times performed the most effective soccer after they mixed their actual expertise that’s at all times there with some expertise, and that’s clearly now the job of Hendo.
“He’s a part of that skilled group and from fifth place in Holland you can also make steps within the desk, and it’s all constructive. It’s an expertise.
“Solely in England do folks suppose ‘Why do they go overseas?’. All different gamers wish to come to England and as stunning as this nation is, they wish to make worldwide experiences and, for me, it’s the similar.
“He’s going to Holland the place he can get pleasure from his soccer positively once more, the household will really feel great as a result of town is totally excellent, and I’m very completely satisfied for him.
“[I] will certainly discuss to him, however in these few days I believed he has a couple of issues to do that are extra essential.”
