Henderson Keen To Continue International Career Despite Negative Reaction To Saudi Move

A reliable ally for the LGBTQ+ community, Henderson turned heads this summer when he swapped Liverpool for Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is outlawed.

Henderson led England out for his 79th cap in Friday's 1-0 win over Australia at Wembley in an international friendly and was jeered by a small minority of the crowd when he was replaced in the second half.

The former Sunderland midfielder is however keen to overlook the naysayers even though he admits getting booed is disappointing.

“It’s not nice, your own fans (booing),” he said.

“Everybody has got their own opinion. 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.

“To lead the team out meant an awful lot to me and my family. Another special night and we got the win which is the most important thing.

“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.

“It won’t change who I am and what I do for this team and for my country. I give absolutely everything every time.”

Asked if he understood the jeers, the 33-year-old replied: “Not really. I don’t know… if people want to boo if I’m playing in a different country, that’s fine.

“Like I said, everyone is going to have an opinion over when I’m 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.

“Of course it’s disappointing, but it won’t change what I do here. I want to keep playing and keep fighting 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, obviously.

“But I can understand it and I’ve got to take that on the chin.”