Transfer Centre

Jordan Henderson confirms Liverpool exit after 12 years

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 26 July 2023

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson confirms he is leaving the club after 12 years, ahead of his much-publicised move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has confirmed that he is leaving the club after 12 years.

The 33-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq in recent weeks, with their new manager and his former teammate Steven Gerrard identifying him as the number one target after taking over.

Henderson was pictured taking part in training alongside his new teammates in Croatia on Wednesday, before his exit had been officially announced.

However, the long-serving midfielder has now confirmed the news in an emotional video released on Instagram ahead of his lucrative switch to the Middle East.

"It's hard to put these last 12 years into words and it's even harder to say goodbye. I will always be a Red. Until the day I die," read the caption alongside the video.

"Thank you for everything. You'll never walk alone."

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Henderson's exit brings an end to a legendary 12-year career at Anfield, during which time he led the club back to the top of English and European football.

The England international initially joined the Merseysiders from his hometown club Sunderland in 2011, but almost left just one year later when new boss Brendan Rodgers arrived at Liverpool.

A switch to Fulham ultimately broke down, though, and Henderson managed to work his way into Rodgers's plans at Anfield.

The midfielder was then chosen as Steven Gerrard's successor to captain the club when the stalwart left Liverpool in 2015.

Kept on as captain following the arrival of Jurgen Klopp, Henderson went on to lift every major trophy available to lift at the elite level of English football while wearing the armband.

Jordan Henderson in action for Liverpool on August 6, 2022 © Reuters

Liverpool won the Champions League in 2018-19 - one year after losing in the final to Real Madrid - and then followed that up with a first Premier League title for 30 years the following season.

A cup double in 2021-22 completed the set of major honours for Henderson, who also ends his Liverpool career with one more League Cup, a UEFA Super Cup, a FIFA Club World Cup and a Community Shield to his name.

Individually, Henderson was named Liverpool Young Player and Fans' Player of the Year during his time at Anfield, in addition to being voted the FWA Footballer of the Year in their title-winning 2019-20 campaign.

Henderson leaves having made 492 appearances for Liverpool in total, scoring 33 goals.

The veteran has also won 77 caps for England, and is understood to have held talks regarding his international future with manager Gareth Southgate before agreeing to the move to Saudi Arabia.

Liverpool are expected to recoup a £12m transfer fee for their captain, while reports have suggested that Henderson will earn up to £700,000 a week in Saudi Arabia.