JORDAN HENDERSON has apologised to the LGBTQ+ community for hurt caused by his move to Saudi Arabia and said he believes he can help enact positive change in the country.
In his first interview since controversially joining Al-Ettifaq from Liverpool, Henderson also told The Athletic the transfer was not motivated by money.
Same-sex relationships are criminalised in Saudi, where the LGBTQ+ community face severe repression and legal peril. Henderson had previously been considered one of the game's leading allies with the community but has faced fierce criticism since the move.
The England midfielder said: "I can understand the frustration [of the LGBTQ+ community]. I can understand the anger. I get it.
"All I can say around that is that I'm sorry that they feel like that. My intention was never, ever to hurt anyone. My intention has always been to help causes and communities where I felt like they have asked for my help.
This story is from the September 05, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.
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This story is from the September 05, 2023 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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