By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GettyImages.
England midfielder Jordan Henderson has completed a move to Ajax, bringing the curtain down on an embarrassing six-month spell in Saudi Arabia.
The 33-year-old signed a three-year contract worth a reported £700,000 a week with the Saudi Arabian club after leaving Liverpool in July.
Al-Ettifaq agreed to terminate Henderson’s contract to facilitate a move away from the Saudi Pro League.
“I’d like to thank the club, the fans and all involved for the opportunity and wish them the best for the remainder of the season,” Henderson said. “A lot of hard work is going in which I know will pay off in the future.”
Henderson moved to Saudi last July on a three-year contract, bringing an end to his 12-year stay at Liverpool, and reuniting with Al Ettifaq manager and former Anfield teammate Steven Gerrard.
Under his captaincy, Al-Ettifaq have not won a game since October, with Henderson now deciding to terminate his contract with more than three years left to run.
Al Ettifaq are eighth in the Saudi Pro League with Gerrard under pressure after a string of poor results.
Ajax boss John van ‘t Schip said: “We wanted an experienced midfielder with leadership qualities. Partly due to injuries, we were also looking for someone who can be there immediately,Henderson is such a player.
Henderson faced a fierce initial backlash to the move given the country’s poor human rights record, including laws which state homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death.