Jordan Henderson, a former Liverpool captain, received a cold greeting as he led England to a 1-0 victory over Australia on Friday.
When his name was called before the game at Wembley, the 33-year-old, who famously moved from Liverpool to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ettifaq in a £12 million deal during the summer, was greeted by a chorus of boos from sections of the home crowd. His substitution in the second half only drew louder jeers from the crowd.
Henderson made his first home debut for Al Ettifaq in the triumph over Australia, despite having already played for the Three Lions since his contentious transfer.
Henderson has received criticism despite the fact that other well-known athletes and coaches have been enticed to Saudi Arabia this year by lucrative contracts.
Many others saw Henderson’s move to a nation where homosexuality is still illegal as the midfielder betraying his principles because he had been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights while at Anfield.
In an interview with the Athletic last month, the former Liverpool number 14 addressed the criticism of his perceived hypocrisy. He stated that money was not the only factor in his decision to join Al Ettifaq, whose average attendance last season was around 6,500.
After England’s victory over Australia in a friendly, manager Gareth Southgate defended his captain in the face of jeers.
“I really don’t understand it,” said Southgate. “He’s a player who I think has 79 caps now for England. His commitment and what he has delivered for England is exceptional.”
“I know what’s created it and I know why it has happened, but it defies logic to me that you would give a player who is playing and putting his heart and soul into playing for England… why boo him?”
Henderson responded, “Not really,” when asked if he understood why supporters were jeering him. I’m not sure. Do you?”
Henderson reacted when it was alleged that his relocation to Saudi Arabia was the cause: “If people want to boo if I’m playing in a different country, that’s fine. Everyone is going to have an opinion over playing over in Saudi.
“I’ve spoken in the past about the reasons for that. Whether people believe us or not is up to them. But when I’m here with England, it doesn’t change anything. I give absolutely everything. Of course it’s disappointing, but it won’t change what I do here. I want to keep playing and help the team become successful.
“I haven’t been surprised by that because I can understand the reasons in what they’re saying
“I look at it from a different point of view. But I can understand it and I’ve got to take that on the chin. But it doesn’t change the person that I am. I’m playing football in a different country where I want to try to improve the game on the pitch but also things off the pitch as well.
“I’m not a politician. 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 games. I do the same when I come here.
“It’s not nice, your own fans, if they were booing. But people have their own opinions. Whenever I bump into anyone on the street it’s always been positive.”
Many others believe Henderson’s hesitant response just serves to demonstrate how he is still considering how he will explain the situation to himself.