By India Today Sports Desk: Jurgen Klopp expressed his disappointment and shock at Jordan Henderson’s departure from Liverpool after the midfielder accomplished his transfer to Saudi Pro League membership Al-Ettifaq for 13 million kilos (USD 16.84).
The switch marks the top of Henderson’s outstanding 12-year tenure with the Premier League membership. The English midfielder has reportedly signed a profitable 700,000-per-week pound contract with Al-Ettifaq and shall be guided by his former Liverpool teammate, Steven Gerrard, within the Middle East.
Speaking about Henderson’s departure, Klopp admitted that it’s tough to see the participant, who has been the one captain throughout his time at Liverpool, go away Anfield. The supervisor described the state of affairs as “sad” and “absolutely strange” but additionally acknowledged that it is likely to be an thrilling new chapter for Henderson in his profession.
“It’s sad, absolutely strange, because he is the only captain I had here at Liverpool, but I think it is exciting for him as well. We will miss him, without a shadow of a doubt, that’s clear – as a man and as a player. But, as I said, that’s football,” Klopp instructed Liverpool’s official web site.
Klopp praised Henderson as a “really good package” and highlighted his various talent set, together with his physicality and distinctive technical talents. He emphasised that Henderson’s technical prowess performed an important position in his success as a participant and captain, and it was a key consider Liverpool’s midfield mixture that additionally featured Fabinho, James Milner, and Georginio Wijnaldum.
“Hendo is a really good package, a really good package. There is the physical part, but there is the super-technical part. He is technically really, really good. You cannot have this amount of Premier League games, you cannot be captain of Liverpool, you cannot play in the most important games in the world if you are technically not on a super-high level – and he is. Right foot, left foot really good,” Klopp mentioned.
“Let me say, this midfield Fabinho, Hendo, Gini and then Millie, these four for three positions, I think nobody would have said it would be a successful midfield because something is lacking – but nothing was lacking because the boys were all a real package. That’s what was so good and Hendo was a super-important part of that.”
The departure of Henderson leaves a major void in Liverpool’s squad, as he was not solely a beneficial participant but additionally an influential determine on and off the pitch. Klopp acknowledged that Henderson’s absence shall be felt by the group and the followers, given his contribution over time.
Henderson is about to make his debut for Al-Ettifaq in a match towards Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr on August 14. Liverpool, alternatively, will proceed their preparations for the upcoming season with a pleasant towards Leicester City in Singapore on Sunday.
