Jurgen Klopp says criticism of Jordan Henderson’s move to Saudi Arabia was too harsh, but he is confident the former Liverpool captain has made the right choice by joining Ajax.
Henderson left Liverpool after 12 years at Anfield to join Al-Ettifaq last July, having fallen down the pecking order as Klopp looked to rebuild an ageing midfield.
The midfielder struggled to settle in Saudi Arabia, however, only making 17 league appearances before terminating his contract to join Eredivisie giants Ajax on Thursday.
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Henderson attracted fierce criticism from LGBTQ+ supporter groups in England following his move, and was jeered by his own supporters when representing England against Australia last October.
In a controversial interview with The Athletic, Henderson suggested his presence in Saudi Arabia – where same-sex relationships are outlawed – was a positive thing for LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
While Klopp is pleased with Henderson’s return to Europe and expects him to settle quickly in Amsterdam, he does not believe the criticism he has received in the last few months was warranted.
“I didn’t speak to him, but I’m happy for him because it looks like he’s happy and that’s the most important thing for me,” Klopp said on Friday.
“People were really critical with Hendo about the move there at first, and now coming back.
Morning, Amsterdam ❄️ pic.twitter.com/Zfx8yUZT43
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) January 19, 2024
“I don’t know how we dare to always judge these types of things, all of us. We have one life and we have to make decisions. Sometimes our decisions are perfect in the first place and sometimes it feels different after we make them.
“He was there, he was 100 per cent interested in the experience [in Saudi Arabia]. I spoke to him, and 99 per cent of stuff there – football-wise – was absolutely fine, it was the start of something.
“There were many things to develop in the future but I was never really critical. Then he thought it was better for him and his family to come back to Europe and he’s here.”
Henderson joins an Ajax side currently 23 points adrift of Eredivisie leaders PSV, having slumped to the bottom of the table by early November before rallying under new boss John van ‘t Schip.
Asked about Henderson’s choice of club, Klopp said: “In Ajax he will find a sensational club in a difficult moment.
Starting the day with Hendo vibes ???? pic.twitter.com/1J4zAvNF9G
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) January 19, 2024
“Ajax always played their best football when they combined their talent with real experience and that’s now the job of Hendo.
“He can go there and from fifth place they can make steps, it is all positive and it’s an experience.
“Only in England do people think, ‘why do they go abroad?’ All other countries want to come to England. As beautiful as this country is some people want to have international experiences.
“He can enjoy his football again, definitely. His family will feel wonderful because the city is outstanding, and I am very happy for him.”
