Jordan Henderson: I strongly believe that me playing in Saudi Arabia is a positive thing (interview with David Ornstein and Adam Crafton of The Athletic)

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Jordan Henderson is deservedly facing heavier criticism than other players who moved to the Saudi Arabian league this summer mainly given his position as former captain of Liverpool FC and the England national team as well as the personal brand he developed as an LGBTQ+ ally.

One of the interviewers (Adam Crafton) is also gay. Here's an excerpt on that specifically:

Crafton: This is something we heard a lot during the World Cup in Qatar, about having to respect the culture. When we talk about culture, I think of food, music, sport, art. And then I think about being a gay person, which is not something where you’ve woken up one day and decided you want to get into it. It’s something that you’re born as. You can’t change it. So, therefore, when people describe homosexuality as a culture, I think gay people really struggle with that because you’re basically being told you have to just accept living a life where you’re illegal.

Henderson: (Long pause) Now, I totally understand that. And I couldn’t imagine how that must feel. And that’s why I have so much sympathy and the last thing I want to do is to upset you or anyone who is part of the LGBTQ+ community. All I’ve ever tried to do is help. And when I’ve been asked for help, I’ve gone above and beyond to help. I’ve worn the laces. I’ve worn the armband. I’ve spoken to people in that community to try to use my profile to help them. That’s all I’ve ever tried to do. I’m not going to sit here saying, “Why are they criticising me?” I understand it. These are all the things I was thinking about, and I do care. When I hear stuff like, “You’ve turned your back on us”, that hurts me. I do care. I have family and friends in the LGBTQ+ community.