Jake Daniels calls Jordan Henderson’s move to Saudi Arabia ‘slap in the face’ | Saudi Pro League

The Blackpool forward, Jake Daniels, has said it was a “slap in the face” when Jordan Henderson moved to play in Saudi Arabia.

Last year, Daniels became the first openly gay active British male professional footballer since Justin Fashanu in 1990. In an interview with the BBC’s Newsbeat, Daniels claimed Henderson had messaged him to show his support afterwards, but that his decision to join Al-Ettifaq shows “money must mean more to people”.

Henderson had been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community before his decision to leave Liverpool for the Saudi Pro League in the summer. Homosexuality is illegal in the Gulf state, leading some to accuse the England midfielder of turning his back on the community.

“He [Henderson] messaged me when I came out. He was backing me and said: ‘We’re proud of what you’ve done.’ And seeing him move to Saudi [Arabia], it kind of like, slaps me in my face really. Obviously it was frustrating. But I guess the money pays well, and money must mean more to people.”

Daniels, who made his senior debut for Blackpool in May 2022, added that Steven Gerrard, currently Henderson’s manager at Al-Ettifaq, had also reached out to him following his decision to come out.

“I met [Gerrard] in person and he said: ‘If you ever want to get in contact then message me.’ But he moved over [to Saudi Arabia]. It was frustrating.” The BBC has contacted both Henderson and Gerrard for comment.

After being booed while playing for England against Australia at Wembley, Henderson said he could understand why LGBTQ+ people might feel let down by his decision to join the Saudi league. “I can understand the reasons in what they’re saying, [but] I look at it from a different point of view,” Henderson said.

In Wednesday’s interview, Daniels added that he “would not feel safe” travelling to Saudi Arabia, which is the sole bidder to host the 2034 men’s World Cup, or last year’s tournament host, Qatar, where homosexuality is also illegal.

“The World Cup that happened in Qatar, [and] the one that is going to happen in Saudi Arabia, for me if I was there I wouldn’t feel safe, so that’s just putting your football in jeopardy,” the 18-year-old added.

Daniels believes his decision to come out 18 months ago has helped his career. “It has been crazy since coming out,” he added. “I didn’t think it would blow up as much as it did. The reception I’ve had, the people I’ve met, it’s been a crazy experience. Coming out was the best thing I’ve ever done. I’m playing better now.”