Jamie Carragher believes that the long-term impact of Jordan Henderson's now-confirmed transfer to Al Ettifaq 'equates to buying silence',
Carragher criticises Saudi Pro League sportswashing and fears to the future of European football.
Carragher
"Since Steven Gerrard moved to the Saudi Pro League and offered Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson the chance to follow him, I have been asked so many questions about their decision you would think I was joining them,"
"I am not their spokesperson. I speak for myself, not those I respect. But as I consider the pros and cons of their career choice I am prepared to say this: if I was offered four times my salary to leave Sky Sports and CBS in order to cover the Saudi Pro League, my answer would be no.
"Why? Because I love watching and analysing the best football in the world, which at the moment is the Premier League and Champions League. That is a pure footballing consideration.
Carragher added
"Henderson has a big problem to deal with because of his previous remarks in support of the LGBTQ+ community. I fully understand that criticism and it is justified. Jordan was heralded on the back of his speaking out so he has difficult questions to answer, and the critical reaction towards him will have a negative impact moving forward for those communities who cherish support from high profile figures,"
"When other footballers hear the criticism directed at him, they will not say ‘I can’t go to Saudi’, he stated. "They will be told by their advisors to keep their mouth shut in case they move there in future, thus avoiding accusations of hypocrisy.
"That will equate to buying silence - a grave impact of sportswashing. This is where Fifa and other sporting bodies have also been open to criticism and should have been stronger. Governing bodies have the power to say countries will not be allowed to host major sporting events unless they meet human rights requirements. You can’t preach inclusive values only to turn a blind eye when the price is right and not expect criticism."
From a football perspective, Henderson’s Liverpool exit is no different to those who preceded him in moving to Saudi, and many of those who will follow. When you separate the emotion of his transfer from what he has achieved for the club, he leaves as a Liverpool legend. That is not a debate. It is a deal which suits the player and club. Liverpool have not stood in Henderson’s way which shows they considered it a good move financially.
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