By India Today Sports Desk: Jurgen Klopp expressed his sadness and surprise at Jordan Henderson’s departure from Liverpool after the midfielder completed his move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq for 13 million pounds (USD 16.84).
The transfer marks the end of Henderson’s remarkable 12-year tenure with the Premier League club. The English midfielder has reportedly signed a lucrative 700,000-per-week pound contract with Al-Ettifaq and will be guided by his former Liverpool teammate, Steven Gerrard, in the Middle East.
Speaking about Henderson’s departure, Klopp admitted that it is difficult to see the player, who has been the only captain during his time at Liverpool, leave Anfield. The manager described the situation as “sad” and “absolutely strange” but also acknowledged that it might be an exciting new chapter for Henderson in his career.
“It’s sad, absolutely strange, because he is the only captain I had here at Liverpool, but I think it is exciting for him as well. We will miss him, without a shadow of a doubt, that’s clear – as a man and as a player. But, as I said, that’s football,” Klopp told Liverpool’s official website.
Klopp praised Henderson as a “really good package” and highlighted his diverse skill set, including his physicality and exceptional technical abilities. He emphasised that Henderson’s technical prowess played a crucial role in his success as a player and captain, and it was a key factor in Liverpool’s midfield combination that also featured Fabinho, James Milner, and Georginio Wijnaldum.
“Hendo is a really good package, a really good package. There is the physical part, but there is the super-technical part. He is technically really, really good. You cannot have this amount of Premier League games, you cannot be captain of Liverpool, you cannot play in the most important games in the world if you are technically not on a super-high level – and he is. Right foot, left foot really good,” Klopp said.
“Let me say, this midfield Fabinho, Hendo, Gini and then Millie, these four for three positions, I think nobody would have said it would be a successful midfield because something is lacking – but nothing was lacking because the boys were all a real package. That’s what was so good and Hendo was a super-important part of that.”
The departure of Henderson leaves a significant void in Liverpool’s squad, as he was not only a valuable player but also an influential figure on and off the pitch. Klopp acknowledged that Henderson’s absence will be felt by the team and the fans, given his contribution over the years.
Henderson is set to make his debut for Al-Ettifaq in a match against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr on August 14. Liverpool, on the other hand, will continue their preparations for the upcoming season with a friendly against Leicester City in Singapore on Sunday.
