Jordan Henderson, the seasoned England midfielder and former Liverpool captain, has expressed his belief that he can continue to improve as a player even at the age of 35. This comes after he signed a two-year contract with Brentford, marking his return to the Premier League following a brief stint with Ajax.
Henderson’s illustrious career includes a 12-year tenure at Liverpool, where he amassed an impressive collection of trophies: the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, two League Cups, Community Shield, Super Cup, and Club World Cup. After leaving Liverpool in July 2023, he joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq, managed by his former teammate Steven Gerrard. However, his time there was short-lived, and he moved to Ajax six months later. Last week, Ajax agreed to terminate his contract a year early, paving the way for his move to Brentford.
In an interview with Brentford’s official website, Henderson emphasized his dual role as both a mentor and a performer. “I try my best to pass on my experiences, especially to the younger players. But, at the same time, I still need to perform and do my job on the pitch,” he said. “It’s a given that I’ll help everybody around me but, even at my age, you can still learn a lot, you can still improve, and you can still get better, which is what I want to do at this club.”
Henderson’s return to the Premier League coincides with a recent recall to the England national team by new manager Thomas Tuchel, marking his first appearance for the Three Lions since November 2023. With 84 caps to his name, Henderson has represented England at three World Cups and three European Championships. His contributions to football and charity were recognized in 2021 when he was appointed an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Brentford manager Keith Andrews highlighted the significance of Henderson’s arrival, particularly in filling the void left by the departures of key players like Christian Norgaard, Mark Flekken, and Ben Mee. “When we became aware of Jordan’s availability, it was a pretty simple decision,” Andrews said. “He’s still phenomenally fit and he’s still phenomenally motivated to achieve things in the game, having already achieved a lot.”
Andrews also praised Henderson’s leadership qualities, noting his influence in driving high standards and his experience in competing for top honors. “What Jordan will bring is that he has been one of the most influential leaders in modern Premier League years,” Andrews added. “He’s been at the forefront of driving for titles and Champions Leagues at a fantastic football club. He will drive standards and be a brilliant addition to the squad.”
Henderson’s move to Brentford not only brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team but also underscores his enduring commitment to evolving as a player, even as he approaches the latter stages of his career.
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