Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson admits he “couldn’t watch” the Reds play after his “really difficult” exit from the club.
Henderson surprisingly departed Anfield in the summer 2023, having been told by Jurgen Klopp that he would no longer be a regular starter.
It brought an end to 12 great years at the club for the midfielder, who captained Liverpool to both Champions League and Premier League success.
• READ: Jurgen Klopp explains why Jordan Henderson left – “That’s why it was better he moved on”
Speaking to reporters, via the Liverpool Echo, Henderson was brutally honest about his departure two years ago, even comparing it to a “break-up.”
“It was a really tough period when I left Liverpool, I was there for a long period of time, 12 years,” Henderson said.
“Leaving Liverpool itself was huge and really difficult and at any point it was going to be hard because it had been my life for so long and then it is just gone like that…so I have struggled for a period after that.
“No, I couldn’t watch a lot of games, I certainly couldn’t watch Liverpool. I didn’t watch a lot of Premier League stuff then… probably picked the right place for that, I was half way around the world!
“Yeah, it was tough but when you leave Liverpool because I was there for so long because I had such an attachment and I dedicated a large part of my life there, when I left I found it really difficult and I suppose whatever I did or wherever I went.
“I don’t know what it felt like, it felt like a break-up, it was just difficult and I think if you asked a lot of players when they left a club, not just Liverpool but when you have been at a club for so long and you have that attachment to them whether you retire or move on.
“I think for a period of time that was hard but within time things change, you move on but I would say that was probably the most difficult time.”
It was a shame to see Henderson leave Liverpool in slightly acrimonious circumstances, with his decision to move to Saudi Arabia also criticised.
The 35-year-old will reunite with his former club later this month, with the Premier League champions making the trip to Brentford on October 25.
Henderson has settled in well in west London, becoming a popular player, and while pleasantries will be on show with his old teammates before the game, there will be no niceties when it gets underway.
There is sure to be plenty of warmth towards him from the travelling Liverpool fans, though, given the service he provided over such a long period.
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