Jordan Henderson says Liverpool exit ‘hurt me’ and responds after Southgate watches him for Ajax ahead of Euro 2024

JORDAN HENDERSON has confessed leaving Anfield was in his and Liverpool’s best interests – even though it broke his heart.

However seeing the Reds on top of the Premier League has proved to the Anfield legend it was the right time for him to go.

GettyJordan Henderson left Liverpool last summer after 12 years at Anfield[/caption]

ReutersHenderson signed for Al-Ettifaq but left after six months[/caption]

Now the 33-year-old admits he hopes there is a fairytale ending at the end of Jurgen Klopp‘s farewell season.

The Anfield legend, now at Ajax, admits he found it difficult at first when Klopp broke the bombshell news that he was bringing down the curtain on his extraordinary nine-year reign.

But the former Liverpool skipper now believes the timing is right and hopes the German’s departure inspires his old club to lift the title as they chase an unprecedented Quadruple.

Speaking ahead of Ajax’s game with Aston Villa tomorrow night, Henderson admitted: “It was a tough one when you first see it because Jurgen’s had an amazing time at Liverpool.

“Everything we achieved was because of him.

“He changed everything when he came in and I just hope the end of the story is a fairytale for him and the boys and the club because they all deserve it.

“They all work so hard. Last season was so tough for so many aspects, off the field and on it. So for this season to be going as well as it has – I’m so proud of them.

“I was the captain for so long there and all of the team still feel like my best friends, my brothers really for life.

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“I just want to see them end the season like they’ve been playing the whole year really with the young players coming in.

“I hope they can end the season on a high and win as many trophies as possible.”

Henderson was asked if he had any regrets about moving to Al-Ettifaq last summer to end 12 years at Anfield and head for his ill-fated spell in the Saudi pro league, after leading Liverpool to eight trophies, including the Champions League and Premier League title.

“Not really,” he said.

“Looking back it was the right time for me as a player – but also for them as a team and as a club – as much as that hurt at the time.

“I was very emotional but looking back now it’s easy to see it was the right decision made by the manager and the club.

“It was the best decision to freshen things up.

“If you look at Virgil becoming captain, Trent becoming vice-captain, and how they have stepped up again this season, I think it’s given them another lift.

“They’ve been two huge players for the team so I think it was the best thing for the club and you can see that with the performances this season.

“As much as that hurts me I can understand that’s football and you move on.

“I’m just so happy it’s worked out for them so far and I’ve just got my fingers crossed that hopefully there can be a fairytale end for Jurgen because he deserves it.”

Henderson revealed he is still in touch with Klopp and hopes his announcement spurs the Reds on to further glory.

He said: “Yes, I’ve spoken to Jurgen a little bit.

“Obviously when I found out it was quite shocking news for everyone. But I wasn’t as surprised as everyone else was because he has been there for a long time.

“The passion and emotion that he gives the team and the club – to do that for a long time must in the end wear you out.

“I think that coming out like it has in the last few weeks will give them an extra energy boost for the remainder of the season.

“I can see that already in him and the players as well.

“Hopefully that gets them over the line and they win a few trophies over the next few months.”

Gareth Southgate turned up to watch Henderson make his Ajax debut and the veteran midfielder believes that’s an encouraging sign as he targets a place in England’s Euro ’24 squad.

“It was good for him to come and watch to see that he’s keeping an eye on me,” he said.

“I definitely feel I can offer something to the national team, but I have got to be playing and doing my job here, that is my main focus.

“But I feel I can help the squad and the team going forward in the next camp and hopefully in the summer.

“Playing for my country is a huge thing and always has been.”

GettyHenderson joined Ajax in January[/caption]