Jordan Henderson has finalized his transfer from Liverpool to Saudi Pro League team Al Ettifaq, it was reported on Thursday.
On Wednesday, the England international announced his departure from Liverpool after 12 years at Anfield.
The 33-year-old will work alongside former teammate Steven Gerrard, who took over as manager of Al Ettifaq on July 3 after stints at Rangers and Aston Villa.
Henderson moved to Liverpool from Sunderland in 2011 and went on to captain the team, winning seven major trophies, including the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.
“Monday when we arrived back in Liverpool, Hendo was waiting for us to say goodbye properly to the team and to the coaching staff as well, so that was a really nice gesture — a really nice thing to do,” said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
“I know it was a very difficult decision for Hendo, and I was there for him the entire time.” It’s sad, unusual since he’s the only captain I’ve had here at Liverpool, but I think it’s also exciting for him.
“We will miss him as a man and as a player without a doubt.” But, as I previously stated, it is football.”
During his 12 years at Liverpool, Henderson appeared in 492 games and scored 33 goals.
He is the latest high-profile player to join the Saudi League, and ESPN reports that other clubs in the nation are interested in signing Liverpool’s Fabinho and Thiago.
