Jordan Henderson explains why he left Liverpool for Saudi Arabia's Al Ettifaq

Jordan Henderson has explained why he left Liverpool for Al Ettifaq and insists there's 'no reason' why he can't keep playing for England.

Henderson received a bumper contract to leave the Premier League for the Saudi Pro League, joining the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in the Middle East.

And he clams Steven Gerrard was the 'big reason' why he joined the Saudi club, having played alongside him at Liverpool.

"Stevie was a big reason obviously why I came. To work with him and play under him," he told BeanymanSports.

'Stevie was a big reason why I came! To work with him and play under him' | Jordan Henderson#henderson #jordanhenderson #alettifaq pic.twitter.com/W6zs38BjvW

— BeanymanSports (@BeanymanSports) August 8, 2023

Al Ettifaq open their 2023/24 Saudi Pro League campaign on August 14 at home to Ronaldo's Al Nassr, who have recently acquired former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane.

Henderson is confident his new side will be prepared for their first game of the upcoming season.

"We need to be ready in the first week or so for the first game, but I'm sure we will be. We've had some good training sessions," he added.

"So hopefully we can keep moving things in the right direction and definitely work together to try to make the team better and more successful."

The 33-year-old, who has 77 international caps to his name, also talked up his England future and believes there's 'no reason' why he can't make Gareth Southgate's squad.

"I'm focused on playing for Ettifaq and playing my best. If I'm doing that then there's no reason why I can't play for England, as the gaffer said," the midfielder continued.

"Obviously we spoke over the last few weeks about it because playing for England means a lot to me and I feel as though I can still bring a lot to the team as I have in the last few games in the World Cup.

"So I still feel as though I can bring a lot. But at the same time I've got to do my job here and if I can do that then hopefully I can make the team as normal."