Jordan Henderson releases 72-word statement after ripping up £700k-a-week Al Ettifaq contract to join Ajax
JORDAN HENDERSON has released a 72-word statement confirming he has left Al-Ettifaq to join Ajax.
The England international left Liverpool in the summer to head to the Saudi Pro League.
But, just six months down the line, Henderson agreed to rip up his bumper £700,000-a-week contract to secure a move back to European football.
And the 33-year-old has now been confirmed as a new signing for Dutch giants Ajax.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Henderson said: “I’m sad to say that I will be leaving Al Ettifaq with immediate effect.
“It wasn’t an easy decision but one that I feel is best for me and my family.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the club & the fans for all the support during my time.
“I really felt the love from Day One. I’ll keep watching & hoping for your success. Good luck for the future.”
Henderson featured 19 times for Al-Ettifaq, failing to score but registering five assists.
On the move, an Ajax statement added: “Ajax has reached an agreement with Jordan Henderson on his transfer to Amsterdam.”
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Club manager John van ‘t Schip said: “We wanted an experienced midfielder with leadership qualities.
“Partially due to injuries in the team, we were looking for someone who could step in immediately. Jordan Henderson is that type of player.
“His arrival means a huge enhancement for our squad. Both on and off the pitch, a football player of this calibre is important for our many young players.
“He’s an English international player and has won the Champions League and many other prizes with Liverpool.
“I am happy he’s here, and I think it’s very good for our club that he’s an Ajacied from today onwards.”
The club also confirmed Henderson would wear the number six shirt, previously worn by the likes of Donny van de Beek, Clarence Seedorf, Frank Rijkaard, Marco van Basten, Dennis Bergkamp and Ronald Koeman.
Reports suggest Henderson will become the highest-paid player in the club’s history.
“It wasn’t an easy decision but one that I feel is best for me and my family.”
Jordan Henderson
Dutch journalist Marcel van der Kraan told Sky Sports that Ajax are “prepared to break the bank” for Henderson.
He said: “Normally £5m is the maximum wages for any player to join Ajax. I’ve never seen them break the bank before.
“But I understand that looking at the background of the club’s form this season, they really need to change something.
“They are prepared to break the bank and pay a much bigger wage then they ever have before.”
His contract with the Dutch outfit will run until June 2026.
Saad Allazeez, Vice Chairman and interim CEO of the SPL, said on the deal: “This is all just part of football, all across the world and life, across all careers.
“Sometimes despite best efforts people don’t always adjust or settle and that can impact performances and lead to frustrations for all.
“Jordan is a good guy and it’s a shame that things didn’t work out for him, but he’d be the first to admit that full support was given to him and respect shown. So everyone tried and no one is to blame.
“I’m pleased the club acted fast as they have to protect their own interests as well as the player and this instance, this is all for the best.
“Since their financial conditions for cancelling the contract were agreed, they can now make full use of the winter break and transfer window to reset and go again.
“And as a league we have the strength and depth to move forward. In fact, despite it being early days under our new strategy we have never been in a stronger position.
“So far in only five months, we’ve had more goals so become more entertaining, with more fans attending matches and watching in over 160 countries worldwide.
“We’ve become a younger league, more international and more attractive with commercial revenue up over 650% and new global partners. So, everything is trending in the right direction.
“Looking ahead we are very positive and expect more good players to come in.
“But, of course, some will move on too. That comes with being a top league, especially when you consider squads are capped.
“So, we’d expect the flow of talent to go both ways. But overall, we are very happy at the progress and growth in just half a season.
“Firm foundations have been laid for future strength.”
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