Liverpool confirm end of Henderson's 12-year stay

Liverpool have confirmed captain Jordan Henderson has joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq, who are managed by his former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard, ending his 12-year stay at Anfield.

The 33-year-old won eight trophies for the Reds, with all but one of those coming as captain.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has paid tribute to the midfielder.

"I know it was a really, really tough decision for Hendo and I was around or with him all the way," Klopp told the Liverpool website.

"It's sad, absolutely strange, because he is the only captain I had here at Liverpool, but I think it is exciting for him as well.

"We will miss him, without a shadow of a doubt, that's clear - as a man and as a player. But that's football."

Henderson's goodbye message

Liverpool's announcement comes after Henderson posted a goodbye message on social media on Wednesday.

Writing on Instagram, Henderson said: "It's hard to put these last 12 years into words and it's even harder to say goodbye. I will always be a Red. Until the day I die. 

"Thank you for everything. You'll never walk alone."

Henderson made 360 top-flight appearances for Liverpool and captained them for nearly nine years, from September 2014.

He led them to the 2019/20 title as the Reds lifted the Premier League Trophy for the first time.

He also skippered the club to UEFA Champions League glory in 2018/19 and FA Cup success in 2021/22, while one of his two EFL Cup winner's medals came as captain.

Additionally, Henderson helped inspire Liverpool to win the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in 2019/20, and the Community Shield last summer.