Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has opened up on Jordan Henderson’s move to Al Ettifaq after bringing his 12-year-old stay at Anfield to an end.
Henderson’s switch to Saudi Arabia has sent shockwaves through football as he became the latest high-profile player to join the Saudi Pro League.
The 33-year-old, who won seven trophies during his time at Liverpool has signed a three-year worth close to £350,000-a-week. He spoke with Jurgen Klopp about his role at the club and playing time next season before making his decision to leave.
“Since Steven Gerrard moved to the Saudi Pro League and offered Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson the chance to follow him, I have been asked so many questions about their decision you would think I was joining them,” Carragher told Telegraph.
“I am not their spokesperson. I speak for myself, not those I respect. But as I consider the pros and cons of their career choice I am prepared to say this: if I was offered four times my salary to leave Sky Sports and CBS in order to cover the Saudi Pro League, my answer would be no.
“Why? Because I love watching and analysing the best football in the world, which at the moment is the Premier League and Champions League. I could never be as enthusiastic when commentating on a league with so many players past their best, and with no history or tradition.
“That is a pure footballing consideration. Naturally and understandably, the focus for many other critics is based around the human rights issues in Saudi Arabia.
“Henderson has a big problem to deal with because of hisprevious remarks in support of the LGBTQ+ community. I fully understand that criticism and it is justified. Jordan was heralded on the back of his speaking out, so he has difficult questions to answer, and the critical reaction towards him will have a negative impact moving forward for those communities who cherish support from high-profile figures.
“When other footballers hear the criticism directed at him, they will not say ‘I can’t go to Saudi’. They will be told by their advisors to keep their mouth shut in case they move there in future, thus avoiding accusations of hypocrisy.
“That will equate to buying silence – a grave impact of sportswashing. This is where Fifa and other sporting bodies have also been open to criticism and should have been stronger. Governing bodies have the power to say countries will not be allowed to host major sporting events unless they meet human rights requirements. You cannot preach inclusive values only to turn a blind eye when the price is right and not expect criticism.
“What we are seeing in this transfer window is that Saudi Arabia poses a genuine threat to the wealth power and quality of European football. I am worried where it will end.
“For all the transfer activity, a game-changing signing has not joined the Saudi Pro League yet.”
Read More Liverpool Coverage:
- Report: Marco Verratti Is To Jurgen Klopp’s Liking
- Liverpool Forced To Delay Opening Of £80million Anfield Road Stand
- Report: Liverpool Make ‘Initial Approach’ For Fluminense Midfielder – Timing Could Be An Issue
- Dominik Szoboszlai: Jurgen Klopp Provides The Latest On Midfielder’s Injury
- Defensive Frailties Warning In Liverpool’s 4-4 Draw With Greuther Furth In Pre-Season
- Greuther Furth 4-4 Liverpool: Five Positives For Jurgen Klopp
- Watch: Greuther Furth 4-4 Liverpool Highlights – Nunez At The Double For Erratic Reds