Danny Murphy thinks the way Jordan Henderson has dealt with the Al-Ettifaq situation will affect his legacy.
What has Murphy said?
After the news broke out that Henderson will terminate his contract with Al-Ettifaq to enforce a move to Ajax, talkSPORT guest Murphy felt inclined to give his two cents on the situation.
He said: “I think it’s probably as close to home as he can get. I don’t know if there are an abundance of offers on the table.
“I think if this is a lesson for others looking in from afar, really think hard about – depending on your financial situation, sometimes it’s a no-brainer.
“But he was wealthy anyway, and I think football contentment is a starting place for the rest of your life being happy. There might be something other people translate to their own life.
“But Jordan here, he’s messed it up really. I don’t think from Liverpool fans’ perspective, but for a broad spectrum of football people, his character and his reputation has been damaged by this whole episode.”
Many believed Henderson had already tarnished his legacy when he announced he left Liverpool because he no longer felt wanted despite being club captain. His charity work he did for the LGBTQ+ community felt wasted and a huge slap in the face. Saudi Arabia’s laws on Homosexuality is alien compared to most countries.
Henderson’s situation
Henderson left Liverpool in the summer after 12 years at the club. During that time he had lead Liverpool to their first Premier League title, their sixth Champions League, their eighth FA Cup, and many more.
Henderson left as Liverpool were rebuilding their squad after failure to secure Champions League football in the season prior. The Englishman fled to Saudi Arabia to play for Al-Ettifaq with a £700k-a-week contract.
Rumours were circulating that Henderson was unhappy at the club. The weather conditions, lack of fans and the quality of football weren’t up to Henderson’s liking.
It’s now revealed that he’s terminated his three-year contract and he is on the verge of becoming an Ajax player.
Further reaction
talkSport regular Simon Jordan also shared his views in relation to what was said by Murphy. He commented: “I don’t think it’s a good look for either of them, the Saudi’s are very ambitious and they have every right to be.
“They have every right to promote their league and build it to give themselves an opportunity to compete in world football.
“They must be disappointed that one of the leading names that has gone over there from one the big English clubs, playing for his country, has decided that it’s not for him.
“Specifically when he’s gone out there with some ridiculous diatribe about the face that he wants to grow the game.
The flip side of the question, is what does it make Jordan Henderson look like? Does it make him look like a man of substance?
“Does it make him look like a man of character that overcomes adversity and ultimately shows you that when things aren’t going his way, that he’s capable of turning it around and making it better?
“I don’t think it’s great either way, it proves the point that the Saudi league have got a long way to go to be able to create the backdrop where the world’s best players will want to play in it.
“It also shows the indulged and pampered natures of the modern day footballer that the moment they don’t get what they want, they can change it. I’m surprised they [Ettifaq] have made it so easy for him.”
Al-Ettifaq will recieve profit for Henderson enforcing his way out of the club. Liverpool will also receive £7m for Henderson leaving within the first two years of his three-year deal.
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