England midfielder Jordan Henderson has left Liverpool to join Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq.
Henderson decided to accept a lucrative offer from the Saudi side to work under Reds legend Steven Gerrard, who was appointed earlier this month.
AFter sealing the move, he posted on Instagram: “Delighted to announce I’ve signed for @ettifaq. New challenge ahead, can’t wait to get going.”
A Liverpool statement said: “Liverpool Football Club can confirm Jordan Henderson has completed a transfer to Al-Ettifaq.
“The move to the Saudi Pro League side sees the midfielder bring an end to his 12-year Reds career, during which he lifted eight trophies, all but one of which as club captain.
“Everybody at Liverpool wishes to place on record their thanks and gratitude for everything Jordan Henderson did for the club during his 12 years as a Red.”
A leader 💪🏻 A warrior ⚔️
— Ettifaq Club (@Ettifaq_EN) July 27, 2023
We’re simply thrilled to have him ❤️💚
Henderson is ETTIFAQI 🟢✨#HendersonEttifaqi pic.twitter.com/GIj8kggxtn
He becomes the latest high-profile name to move to the Middle East this summer, following former team-mate Roberto Firmino, ex-Chelsea stars Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and N’Golo Kante along with Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema.
The 33-year-old spent 12 seasons at Anfield, captaining the Merseysiders to Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Super Cup and Club World Cup glory.
Despite having two years remaining on his contract, Sunderland academy graduate Henderson has agreed a bumper salary to join Gerrard’s side.
Announcing his departure from the Reds on Instagram, Henderson said: “It’s hard to put these last 12 years into words and it’s even harder to say goodbye. I will always be a Red. Until the day I die.
“Thank you for everything. You’ll never walk alone.”
He added in a video accompanying his post: “I’m in the [Liverpool] dressing room for the last time so, as you can imagine, it is very emotional.
“I need to somehow explain what these last 12 years have meant for me and my family.
“Being made the captain of Liverpool Football Club was one the greatest honours of my life.
“From the day the armband was passed to me I did everything I could to behave like a Liverpool captain should.
“Thank you for allowing me to be part of your club, thank you for your support in good times and bad.”