"Star Footballer Exits Saudi League After Six Months: A Comprehensive Look at the High-Profile Contract Abandonment"

Footballer Jordan Henderson revealed that he will be returning to Europe to join Ajax, after a controversial six-month stint in Saudi Arabia. Jordan Henderson, the international footballer, announced his return to Europe to sign with Ajax. This action comes six months following his contentious transfer to Saudi Arabia. On Thursday, the English international stated that he was leaving Al-Ettifaq Saudi Professional League (SPL) "with immediate effect". He added, "It wasn't an easy decision, but I believe it's the best option for me and my family". The Ajax, currently the fifth in the Dutch Eredivisie, confirmed the transfer on Thursday. The club shared photos and videos of Henderson's arrival on their social media accounts. "I continue to want to perform at a high level on the pitch and that is the most important thing. I have to come to perform and try to help the team succeed," said the 33-year-old player in a video on social media. In an official statement, Al-Ettifaq described Henderson's contract termination as "friendly". The club president, Samer Al Misehal, mentioned that the "quick decision, without delay or further distractions, was made for both the overall good of the club and for Jordan". According to ESPN, Henderson's agreement with Al-Ettifaq was a three-year deal. "Jordan is a good guy and it's unfortunate that things didn't work out for him, but he would be the first to admit that he has been given all the support and has been shown respect," expressed Saad Allazeez, interim general manager of the SPL. Henderson's transfer from Liverpool to Al-Ettifaq faced scrutiny due to his previous support for LGBTQ rights. Henderson has publicly backed the Rainbow Laces campaign, supported by Stonewall, and spoke about the need to support those who face exclusion 'shoulder to shoulder'. However, upon moving to Saudi Arabia — where same-sex sexual activity is a crime according to Human Rights Watch — there was a significant backlash against Henderson from LGBTQ campaign groups and the football community on an overall basis. Kop Outs, a Liverpool LGBTQ fan group, expressed their "horror and concern" regarding the transfer, while 3LionsPride, a similar group of English fans, revealed their disappointment. In an interview published by The Athletic last year, Henderson believed his transfer to Saudi Arabia as a "positive thing", and understood the frustration from the LGBTQ community. "I can understand the anger. I get it," he said. "All I can say about it is that I regret that they feel like that. My intention never, ever was to hurt anyone." Henderson, who won the Champions League and the Premier League during his 12 seasons at Liverpool before signing with Al-Ettifaq last year, joined the ranks of high-profile players — such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar — in Saudi Arabia. During his six months play at Al-Ettifaq, managed by Liverpool great, Steven Gerrard, he played 17 league games. The club announced on Thursday that they have extended Gerrard's contract until 2027. Amy Woodyatt and David Close from CNN contributed to this report.