Jordan Henderson admits England supporters booing him off against Australia ‘hurt’ but insists his values ​​haven’t changed since he moved to Saudi Arabia

Jordan Henderson admitted being booed by England supporters as he left the pitch against Australia ‘hurt’ after later being told that some fans inside Wembley were unhappy with his decision to move to Saudi Arabia.

The former Liverpool captain has been criticized for moving to the nation in the summer given Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and homosexuality being illegal in the country.

Henderson left Anfield to join Al Ettifaq but has maintained his position in Gareth Southgate’s England set-up at the expense of other Premier League stars, despite playing in a developing league.

The 33-year-old explained he wasn’t first aware of boos following him off the pitch when he was substituted in the62nd minute of England’s win over Australia before being told about it by others.

‘At the time, not really (hear the boos) but after the game got told a little bit was going on,’ he told Channel 4.

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Jordan Henderson admitted being booed by England supporters as he left the pitch against Australia ‘hurt’

‘Of course, it hurts because every time you pull on the heart it’s a proud moment, playing for teammates, country, and fany.

‘Of course,e it hurts but that’s part and parcel of it, I have had enough criticism over my  career to have stuff like that.’

‘I asked that question after the game and a journalist said it’s because I played in Saudi Arabia. That’s a decision I made a few months ago but it doesn’t change who I am as a person.’

Henderson previously advocated for LGBTQ+ rights during his time at Anfield and has since faced backlash from fans after agreeing to move to the Middle East where he reportedly earns  700,000 per week.

It has been suggested that the Champions League and Premier League winner was motivated to ditch England for the Saudi Pro League by the obscene sums of money being offered to stars.

However, such suggestions were previously denied by Henderson after insisting his presence in the country should only be viewed as a good thing given his views on political and social issues.

Henderson reiterated similar reasons for making the switch before England’s game against Italy at Wembley on Tuesday but offered a deeper insight into the decision-making process to leave European football.

‘In certain areas, if people want to think that (his values ​​have changed) that’s fine, I think having someone like myself with the values ​​I have in Saudi Arabia is only a good thing.

‘Before I went there they knew the groups I supported and not once was it ever mentioned when there that I can’t do this or say this or do that.

‘It’s never been an issue at all. They know what my values ​​are and accept that and all they ask is I respect their values, culture, and religions which I have done.

‘Of course (I still support LGBT), my values ​​haven’t changed as a person because I go to a different country to play football,’ he said.