Jurgen Klopp has opened up on Jordan Henderson’s exit from Liverpool and the midfielder’s move to Ajax this month.
Henderson left Liverpool in the summer after a decorated career with the club, in which the 33-year-old made 492 appearances and captained the Reds to six trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League.
The England international signed for Saudi side Al-Ettifaq, in a transfer that has been heavily criticised due to Saudi Arabia’s stance on same-sex relationships and Henderson’s previous vocal allegiance to the LGBTQ+ community.
Henderson has now decided to return to Europe after six months in the Saudi Pro League and has signed for Dutch side Ajax. Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Bournemouth this weekend, Klopp was asked for his view on Henderson’s move.
“I haven’t spoken to him about it, no. But I am happy for him because it looks like he’s happy and that’s the most important thing to me,” Klopp said at his pre-match press conference.
“From time to time I forget that I actually don’t read these kind of stories that people are critical of the move, first there and now coming back. All these kind of things.
“I don’t know how we dare to judge these kind of things, we have one life and sometimes the decisions are perfect in the first place and sometimes it is different after you make them. He was there and it was 100% an interesting experience.
“When I spoke to him [he said] 99% it was football wise absolutely fine. It’s the start of something, not like it is here, and many things to develop there in the future but he was not critical of it. But then he thought it was better for him and his family to come back to come back to Europe. Now he’s in Holland.
“Ajax is a sensational club in a difficult moment. Ajax always played the best football when they have combined their real talent with experience. Jordan will be part of that experienced group. From fifth place in Holland you can make steps and it’s all positive.
“It’s an experience. In England only do people think ‘why do they go abroad when all other countries want to come to England?’. As beautiful as this country is it’s an international experience [to play in another country]. For me it was the same. He can enjoy football and the family will enjoy it because the city is wonderful. I am very happy for him.”
