Share this @internewscast.com

Jordan Henderson admitted he had no idea that Gareth Southgate was coming to Amsterdam to watch his Ajax debut against PSV.

‘I wasn’t aware he (Southgate) was here. I’ve only just found out now,’ Henderson admitted post-match.

‘I don’t know (if he kept it a secret). He might not have wanted to put pressure on me but it’s nice to know that he came to watch. He picked a nice and high-intense game to watch.’

The 33-year-old played in a deeper midfield role and nearly had an instant impact with a lofted through ball to Kenneth Taylor, who failed to convert.

Jordan Henderson had no idea Gareth Southgate watched his debut for Ajax in person

Jordan Henderson had no idea Gareth Southgate watched his debut for Ajax in person

England boss Southgate was joined by close friend Steve Cooper in the stands in Amsterdam

England boss Southgate was joined by close friend Steve Cooper in the stands in Amsterdam

Minutes later, Henderson was involved in the move from which Ajax captain Steven Berghuis gave them the lead, before PSV equalised through Luuk De Jong.

It was the first game for the England midfielder since playing for Al Ettifaq against Al Hazem in Saudi Arabia in December in front of 5,000 fans and his introduction pre-match at the Johan Cruyff Arena was met with the loudest cheer out of any of the Ajax players from a crowd of over 50,000.

‘It felt incredible. It certainly didn’t disappoint, and I loved every second of it,’ said Henderson, who stressed that he was keen to close the book on his controversial six-month stint in Saudi Arabia.

‘I just want to concentrate on Ajax and the future and focus on this new chapter of my career. This was a special night for me to be out there and an amazing game to start with,’ Henderson added. ‘It’s been an incredible first few weeks. 

‘I couldn’t have felt more at home if I tried. I’ve settled really well and I feel like I’ve been here such a long time already.’

Henderson (left) was involved in the move that led to Steven Berghuis opening the scoring

Henderson (left) was involved in the move that led to Steven Berghuis opening the scoring

After quitting Saudi Arabia, Henderson is keen to close the book on the controversial stint

After quitting Saudi Arabia, Henderson is keen to close the book on the controversial stint

Such has been the buzz around the Premier League and Champions League-winning captain that since Henderson arrived in Amsterdam just over a fortnight ago, his shirt has become the fastest-selling jersey in Ajax’s history while pillows, bedsheets and towels with Henderson and the No 6 on them have all sold out in the club shop.

Southgate was accompanied by his close friend and former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper for the trip to the Netherlands.

In October, the England boss said he could not understand why England fans booed Henderson during a friendly against Australia at Wembley and in public, he has backed the former Liverpool captain ever since his contentious decision to leave Liverpool for the Middle East.

With questions hanging over whether Henderson still justifies a place in the England squad ahead of Euro 2024 in Germany, he delivered a trademark performance with constant energy in this 90-minute display against Champions League level opposition.

Given the size of PSV’s advantage at the top of the Eredivisie he is unlikely to face a tougher test for the remainder of the season unless Ajax progress in the Europa Conference League.

Henderson, who left Liverpool for Saudi last summer, terminated his three-year contract with Al Ettifaq in January after playing just 17 games in the Saudi Pro League stating that ‘it was very much a football decision.’

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Mohamed Salah Heads Back to Pre-Season Training with Somber Liverpool Squad After Missing Diogo Jota’s Funeral

Liverpool’s stars have been pictured returning for pre-season training, just days after…

Liverpool Delays Players’ Pre-Season Start While Mourning Diogo Jota’s Passing

Liverpool have cancelled the phased return of players for pre-season training as…

Tottenham Tease Man Utd and Sir Alex Ferguson with New Clothing Line Launch

Tottenham Hotspur are reveling in their Europa League victory — and they’ve…

Leah Williamson, Lionesses Captain, Stars in Calvin Klein Underwear Campaign Ahead of Women’s Euros

Lionesses captain Leah Williamson stripped down to her underwear as she modelled…

England’s Bowling Issues: Breaking Unwanted Records in India Series, Faltering Pace Attack in Ashes Chase, and Future Strategies

Discussing the Ashes might be frowned upon when England is in the…

Lionel Messi’s Contract Status with Inter Miami Unveiled Amid Rumors of Negotiations with Saudi Arabian Club

A significant development in the contract discussions between Lionel Messi and Inter…

Bayern Munich Eye Luis Diaz as Main Transfer Target Following Jamal Musiala’s Injury – Liverpool Star Expresses Interest in Move to German Club

Bayern Munich are reportedly set to double down in their attempts to…

Andy Carroll Rumored to Make Surprise Move to Sixth Tier of English Football

A non-league manager remained tight-lipped when asked about a shock swoop for…

Aaron Ramsdale Celebrates Italian Wedding with Famous Premier League Star

Two years following their low-key ceremony at a registry office in London,…

Everton’s Portuguese Players Honor Liverpool’s Diogo Jota with Wreath Ceremony at Anfield

Portuguese-born Everton stars Youssef Chermiti and Beto laid wreaths at Anfield on…

Fulham’s Adama Traore and Calvin Bassey Face Off in Amusing Wrestling Bout

The 2024/25 Premier League season at Craven Cottage was marked by excitement…

How Derby’s Faith is Being Restored After Six Tumultuous Years: The Influence of Two Key Leaders, Personalized Strategies, and Cricket Experts

There is something brewing at the western end of Brian Clough Way.…