Henderson breaks silence over England fan boos and addresses Saudi criticsJordan Henderson has admitted it was “disappointing” to be booed by England supporters during Friday's friendly with Australia but says he still wants to keep playing for his country “for as long as possible”. He was a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights as Liverpool captain but has faced accusations of betraying the community since agreeing a lucrative move to Saudi, where same-sex relationships are illegal and can result in capital punishment. Speaking to newspaper reporters after Friday's game, Henderson was initially “not sure” of the reaction from supporters but, when told there had been boos, he insisted he had no plans to walk away from international football.
Asked if he still felt he could make the squad for next summer's European Championship, Henderson said: “Definitely, yeah. I mean physically, I don't think it's an issue. “Look at my numbers physically and my output in a game, whether that's in Saudi, whether that's here for England, I don't see that as an issue. “I want to try and help the team become successful... in big tournaments and hopefully, I can keep performing, I can keep fit and then stay in the squad for the tournament next summer. Jordan Henderson celebrates joining Al-Ettifaq with new manager Steven GerrardHandout via REUTERS“You're talking about physical attributes and physical attributes isn't a problem for me. I'm an experienced player, I know how to play football, you don't forget that when you just go out and play in a different league.
“Of course it’s disappointing, but it won’t change what I do [with England]. I want to keep playing and keep fighting and help the team become successful. ”Henderson's move to Saudi was met by fierce criticism from LGBTQ+ organisations, with Three Lions Pride - the group affiliated with England - saying they would turn their back on the midfielder in the terraces if he played for his country again. “I haven’t been surprised by that [reaction] because I can understand the reasons in what they’re saying, ” Henderson continued.
So when I've been back [with England] when, I've trained when I've played games, I felt as good as ever really. “I've been playing with these [England] players for a long time now. So when I come in and train with them, of course, the level goes up but I feel normal and it's the same for me. I feel as fit as I ever have. Probably because over there the conditions are quite hard at times with the weather and the humidity and the warm. ”Henderson has publicly backed Saudi's 2034 World Cup bid and says he is confident there will be "no issues" for fans if they win the tournament.
That’s all I keep trying to do. ”Pushed on what he meant by improving “things off the pitch as well”, Henderson replied: “The whole league. "[Just], yeah, the football, I’m not a politician. You know what I mean? I’m not going to get into politics. All I’ve ever done is concentrate on my football and try to help people that have asked for my help. When I’m going out there, I’m just playing football trying to improve the league, trying to improve my own team and trying to win football games. I do the same when I come here. ”Southgate also defended Henderson's performance on the night as England laboured against an impressive Aussie side, although the manager has previously admitted he will have to monitor the affects on the 33-year-old of playing in the sweltering, low-intensity Saudi league.
Watch Jordan TV (Arabic) Live from Jordan. Jordan Radio and Television Corporation (JRTV) is the state broadcaster of Jordan. The channel offers News, entertainment, documentaries, cultural and ...
FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers Feb 23, 2023 — 71 Saudi Arabia at the same venue three days later. India's matches can be watched on live streaming. India lost 80-64 to Jordan in August and ...
“Everybody has got their own opinion, ” he said. “I love playing for England, I have done for many years, that’s why I’m still here. I still want to play for England for as long as I possibly can and give everything for the team, for my country. “It’s not nice, your own fans, if they were booing. “But listen, people have got their own opinions. Whenever I bump into anyone on the street it’s always been positive stuff and nice things said. But listen, it won’t change who I am and what I do for this team and for my country. I give absolutely everything every time.
Jordan - The World Factbook 7 days ago — Live the King of Jordan) lyrics/music: Abdul-Mone'm al-RIFAI'/Abdul Jordan-Saudi Arabia: Jordan and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement to ...
