Former Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson insists he is not bothered about people believing him on why he moved to Saudi Arabia.
During England's 1-0 victory against Australia, the midfielder was jeered, a clear response to his choice to leave Liverpool for Saudi Arabia during the summer transfer window.
18:26 - 14.10.2023
England manager baffled by Henderson treatment
Gareth Southgate was upset with fans at England's Wembley Stadium who booed midfielder Jordan Henderson in their friendly against Australia
Henderson was formerly admired for being a steadfast supporter of inclusiveness and equality, especially for the LGBT community.
Yet, given Saudi Arabia's infamous human rights record, particularly with regard to homosexuality, moving to Al-Ettifaq has caused his social position to drastically decline.
The England captain has said that he does not comprehend why England fans turned against him on Friday night.
Henderson speaks on England fans booing him
Henderson, the team's captain against the Australians, finds it difficult to understand the backlash.
When asked if he understood his fans' boos, Henderson replied as reported by Daily Mail, “Not really. I don't know… do you?
09:02 - 05.09.2023
I didn’t go to Saudi Arabia for money — Jordan Henderson
Ex-Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has insisted that he did not leave Liverpool to join Saudi side Al Ettifaq for financial reasons.
10:47 - 05.08.2023
England boss will keep picking ex-Liverpool midfielder despite Saudi Arabia move
Despite calls for him to be dropped, England manager Gareth Southgate has made it clear that he will not stop selecting Jordan Henderson just because he plays in Saudi Arabia
“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.
“If people want to boo if I'm playing in a different country, that's fine. Everyone is going to have an opinion when I'm playing over in Saudi.
“I've spoken in the past about the reasons for that. Whether people believe me or not is up to them.
“The gaffer (Southgate) has been really good as always. I've always felt support and backing from him and the rest of the lads.
“So it's nice to know that you've got the backing of the manager and your team-mates but that's never been in doubt for me.'
Jordan Henderson says he doesn't care if people believe him when he explains why he moved to Saudi Arabia, but he does acknowledge that it's unpleasant to hear England fans boo him after receiving jeers during a friendly victory over Australia.