Jordan Henderson says Steven Gerrard was a "big reason" behind his controversial move to Al-Ettifaq.
The shock switch sparked criticism - including from fan group Kop Outs who questioned the 33-year-old's decision to move to a state where homosexuality is illegal
In his first public comments since his Anfield exit, the former Liverpool captain expressed excitement at the prospect of playing in the Saudi Pro League
Henderson
"It's exciting times, the project and something different is definitely a reason why I wanted to come here,"
"Over the next few years, I'm sure it will grow and I want to be part of that to try and help it grow.
"I love football so I want to try help it grow all over the world, I know the people in Saudi love football, hopefully we can keep continuing to grow the league over the next few years, hopefully I can be part of that."
Henderson added:
"It's a totally different project, experience, which is why I wanted to come and try something completely different to what I've been used to for the last however many years. It's exciting and I'm just happy to be here and try get started."
"Stevie was a big reason why I came, to work with him and play under him," he added. "I think we've had some good training sessions, not many, had one game.
"We need to be ready in the next week or so for the first game - I'm sure we will be, we've had some good training sessions, a good result the other night so hopefully we can start things in the right direction and work together to make the team successful."
"I'm focused on Ettifaq and playing my best, if I'm doing that I'm sure there's no reason I can't play for England.
"We've spoken over the last few weeks about it because playing for England means a lot to me and I can still bring a lot to the team as I had in the past few games and the World Cup.
"I still feel as though I can bring a lot but I've got to do my job for Ettifaq, if I do that then hopefully I can make the team."
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