Jordan Henderson: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp addresses quick-fire exit from Saudi Arabia

Jurgen Klopp says he is “happy” for Jordan Henderson after the midfielder completed a move to Ajax.

Henderson this week joined the Amsterdam giants on a two-and-a-half-year contract having called a premature end to his time in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq.

The former Liverpool captain was just six months into a three-year deal with the Saudi Pro League side, who he was criticised for joining last summer.

The England international had previously been a vocal supporter of the LBTQ+ community within football but was questioned for his decision to move to a country where same-sex relationships are illegal.

With Euro 2024 approaching and Steven Gerrard’s side labouring in mid-table in Saudi Arabia, the 33-year-old is thought to have pushed for a return to European football.

Addressing his quick-fire exit, Klopp said: “I haven't spoken to him about it, no. But I am happy for him because it looks like he's happy and that's the most important thing to me. From time to time I forget that I actually don't read these kind of stories that people are critical of the move, first there and now coming back. All these kind of things.

"I don't know how we dare to judge these kind of things, we have one life and sometimes the decisions are perfect in the first place and sometimes it is different after you make them. He was there and it was 100% an interesting experience.

"When I spoke to him [he said] 99% it was football wise absolutely fine. It's the start of something, not like it is here, and many things to develop there in the future but he was not critical of it. But then he thought it was better for him and his family to come back to come back to Europe. Now he's in Holland.

"Ajax is a sensational club in a difficult moment. Ajax always played the best football when they have combined their real talent with experience. Jordan will be part of that experienced group. From fifth place in Holland you can make steps and it's all positive.”