06 September 2023 , 12:30
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Simon Jordan has let rip at Jordan Henderson after the ex-Liverpool captain finally spoke out on joining the Saudi Pro League, declaring: "I don't blame him for going there... but let's not dress it up into what it isn't."
Henderson has insisted his move to Al-Ettifaq was not fuelled by money. In an interview with The Athletic, he said he no longer felt "wanted" at Liverpool and also addressed the criticism he has faced from the LGBT+ community for moving to a country where homosexuality is illegal.
Henderson said he "can understand the anger" and told fans he is "sorry they feel that way", insisting: "My intention was never, ever to hurt anyone". However, his comments have received no shortage of backlash, as Henderson returns to England duty for the first time since his controversial decision.
Now no-nonsense former Crystal Palace chief Jordan has blasted his claim that the move was not about money.
"It's ridiculous for him to say that he hasn't gone to Saudi predominantly for the money," he declared on talkSPORT. "I don't care if he has gone for the money or not but, the bottom line is, that's what he has gone there for.
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"Jordan Henderson cannot get past the inevitable. I would much rather him turn around and say 'one of the driving factors was the money'. You're an international footballer, you're playing for Liverpool and you're going to a league that has enormous amounts of money.
"What are the other predominant reasons then? I'm sure he does care, but the reality of caring and then suffering a consequence of suggesting I'm not going to go to particular environments is not what he is prepared to do.
"I don't blame him for going there for an inordinate amount of money at whatever age he is. At the end of the day, footballers are there to enjoy their careers and if someone is foolhardy enough to pay him £400,000 or £500,000 per week, then that's on them.
Simon Jordan has slammed Jordan Henderson (Twitter/@talkSPORT)"But let's not dress it up into what it isn't, it is predominantly a money transaction." Jordan also branded him a "mercenary" for making "a song and dance about wanting to be supportive" of the LGBTQ+ community and then moving to Saudi Arabia.
"When you are preparing yourself for these interviews, knowing what is coming your way, what is your outcome in terms of people saying 'You hypocrite'," he added.
"You made a song and dance about wanting to be supportive about certain communities and you go to a country that has no support for these communities whatsoever.
"You are a mercenary and you're only going there for money.
"If I was in his shoes, and the people around him, what is going to be our best answer to this question because we are caught in a position. They [personal advisers] have briefed him. He is a parrot.
"Let's ask the question, Jordan. If you were still getting the same dough you were getting at Liverpool, would you have been equally as motivated to go to these countries to grow the sport? No, he wouldn't."