Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has denied reports that he is earning £700,000 per week at Al Ettifaq.
Henderson moved to the Saudi Pro League this summer, joining up with former Liverpool team-mate and Al Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard.
As a result, Henderson ended a 12-year association with Liverpool, after he had lifted the Premier League and Champions League as captain of the club.
The move, however, was accompanied by significant backlash, especially from the LGBTQ+ community. Saudi Arabia has strict LGTBQ+ laws in place, and same-sex relationships are illegal in the country.After the deal was confirmed, Liverpool's LGBT+ fan group, Kop Outs, stated: "Somebody who chose to stand with us, is now choosing to stand with our oppressors."Another issue surrounding the transfer was the vast amount of money Henderson is reportedly earning while playing for Al Ittifaq.
The Athletic described the contract offer as 'life-changing', with the Daily Mail citing the figure as over £700,000 per week - almost four times the value of his reported £190,000 per week deal at Liverpool.However, Henderson has now disputed those claims, stating that while is he is on 'good money' in Saudi Arabia, the actual figure is less than £700,000.Speaking in an interview with The Athletic, Henderson stated: "No [not £700,000]. I wish it was (laughs). No, honestly, the numbers just aren't true."But again, it had to work for us financially as well. I'm not saying that that it didn't, and I'm not saying, 'Oh I'm not on good money', because it's good money and it was a good deal. But it wasn't the numbers that were reported. No."Stevie never mentioned money [during talks]. Everything I spoke to Stevie about was football and the project. And he actually said he didn't want to get involved in any of the money stuff."
He also said: "People will see this club come with loads of money, and he's just gone, 'Yeah, I'm going'. When, in reality, that just wasn't the case at all.
"People can believe me or not, but in my life and my career, money has never been a motivation. Ever.
"Don't get me wrong, when you move, the business deal has to be tight. You have to have financials, you have to feel wanted, you have to feel valued. And money is a part of that. But that wasn't the sole reason."
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