Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes that Jordan Henderson ‘was not himself’ when they spoke several weeks ago about putting together a tribute video for departing Reds boss Jurgen Klopp. Henderson suffered a crushing blow on Tuesday when he was left out of Gareth Southgate‘s England training squad ahead of Euro 2024.
The 33-year-old joined Ajax in January with hopes of making it to this summer’s tournament. But a recent injury blow, combined with a wave of up-and-coming midfield talent, has forced him out of the international fold.
Henderson sparked controversy by joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in a mega-money move last summer. But the association only lasted a matter of months, and Carragher has suggested that it took its toll.
“I texted Jordan abbout two or three weeks ago and it was about putting something together for Klopp, for Sky Sports,” the former Liverpool centre-back told The Overlap. “It was a really good piece. And I could tell he wasn’t himself.
“People made a big deal about it, when they watched it, saying ‘Why isn’t Jordan Henderson on it?’. It was sort of through me and I got the feeling he was like ‘I’m not speaking to the press’.”
Henderson has notched three assists in nine league appearances for Ajax since returning to Europe earlier this year. Having been part of the England squad at the last six major tournaments, his omission from Southgate’s ranks raised eyebrows.
The Three Lions boss is set to give a selection of youngsters a chance to impress, with Manchester United‘s Kobbie Mainoo and Crystal Palace man Adam Wharton both named on the 33-man long list, which will be trimmed down by seven before the Euros.
Henderson captained Liverpool to Champions League and Premier League titles, making almost 500 appearances for the club over 12 years. And Carragher is sympathetic about how this campaign has panned out for the former Reds man.
“I know it’s not been a great season for Ajax, that’s why they brought him in initially, in January,” he continued. “I think there was an interview where a Dutch guy really put it on him about his performance.
“I didn’t push him too much on organising the interview. You know what? He’s had a lot of stick over the last 12 months, and some people might think rightly so with the move to Saudi and now to Ajax.
“I feel a little bit for Jordan Henderson because I don’t think he deserves it. I know him personally. Jordan is a great footballer, there are lots of great footballers, but there aren’t many that are proper men. He’s a good lad, Jordan.”
