Henderson issues response to England boo-boys after Wembley backlash
Jordan Henderson has insisted the boo-boys will not stop him “giving everything” for England.
Three Lions midfielder Henderson got a fierce backlash from the Wembley crowd over what they see as his Saudi betrayal. Henderson was booed before kick-off and it was even louder when he was substituted during England’s win over Australia on Friday night.
It was the first time Henderson has played at Wembley since moving to Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq in the summer and he has faced criticism for doing a U-turn on his principles.
Henderson was a vocal supporter of LGBTQ rights ahead of the Qatar World Cup but has now gone to Saudi Arabia where homosexuality is illegal and can result in capital punishment.
Former Liverpool captain Henderson insisted he was not aware of the reaction at the time despite England boss Gareth Southgate admitting he heard it and he gave a staunch defence of his player.
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Henderson, 33, who led England out as skipper, said: “I’m not sure what the reaction was to be honest. 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.
Henderson was loudly booed during the win over Australia (PA)“To lead the team out tonight means an awful lot to me and my family. Another special night and we got the win which is the most important thing.
“It’s not nice, your own fans, if they were booing. But listen, people have got their own opinions. Whenever I bump into anyone on the street it’s always been positive stuff and nice things said. But listen, it won’t change who I am and what I do for this team and for my country. I give absolutely everything every time.”
When asked whether he understood why he was booed, Henderson added: “Erm, not really. I don’t know… do you? If people want to boo if I’m playing in a different country, that’s fine. Like I said, 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 us or not is up to them. But when I’m here with England, it doesn’t change anything. I give absolutely everything. Of course it’s disappointing, but it won’t change what I do here. I want to keep playing and keep fighting and help the team become successful.
“I haven’t been surprised by the reaction (from the LGBTQ community) because I can understand the reasons in what they’re saying. I look at it from a different point of view, obviously. But I can understand it and I’ve got to take that on the chin.”
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