Jordan Henderson 'did not feel wanted' at Liverpool as Chelsea transfer sparks backlash

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But while his relationship with the Bees is said to be amicable, he looks to be souring his bond with Liverpool’s supporters.Many Reds fans have reacted angrily to the prospect of Henderson joining what is considered one of Liverpool’s direct rivals, arguing that his long spell as captain at Anfield shouldn’t lead to him playing for a club like Chelsea.It’s not the first time Liverpool fans have taken issue with Henderson’s transfer choices though. Back in 2023, with the Reds overhauling their midfield after a poor campaign, the England international decided to leave the club and join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.The move sparked backlash from supporters on Merseyside and further afield, given Henderson’s previous campaigning for the LGBT community, leading him to reveal that he left Liverpool after not feeling wanted by the club.Jordan Henderson insisted he didn't feel wanted by Liverpool after his exit from the club(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)"There were a few things that sent alarm bells ringing," Henderson told The Athletic shortly after the move to Saudi Arabia.

He was very honest with me."I won’t go into detail about the conversation because it’s private, but it put me in a position where I knew that I wasn’t going to be playing as much. I knew there were going to be new players coming in my position."And if I’m not playing, as anybody will know, especially the manager, that can be quite difficult for me and especially when I’ve been at a club for so long, I’ve captained the team for so long.

And I have to then think about what’s next for me in my career. Now, that’s not to say that they forced me out of the club or they were saying they wanted me to leave but at no point did I feel wanted by the club or anyone to stay.”Henderson’s spell in the Middle East didn’t last long as he was on the move again after just a few months, joining Ajax in January 2024.