Jordan Henderson makes surprise return to Liverpool and receives a warm welcome from his former team-mates just over a year after his controversial Saudi Arabia move

Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson made a surprise appearance at the Reds’ AXA Training Centre on Friday. 

The 34-year-old left the Merseyside under a cloud in 2023 when he decided to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, managed by Reds legend Steven Gerrard. 

But Henderson’s Middle Eastern adventure last only a matter of months before he completed a move to Eredivisie giants Ajax in January this year. 

The England international was given a heroes welcome by Liverpool players in Kirby on Friday, where he spent 12 seasons and won seven trophies. 

Henderson could be seen in a warm embrace with several players who remained from his time at the club, including current skipper Virgil van Dijk and vice captain Trent Alexander-Arnold. 

The 34-year-old, who left Anfield in 2023, caught up with some of his former team-mates 

Most of the Reds current players played alongside the former captain including Trent Alexander-Arnold (right)

Henderson became the first Liverpool skipper to lift the English top-flight trophy aloft in 2019

The veteran also spared some time for the likes of Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones at the Reds training ground. 

Henderson has largely fared well since his move to the Netherlands, quickly establishing him as a leader in a young dressing room. 

He has worn the captain’s armband on several occasions for the four-time European Cup winners but he has been in and out of the starting XI at the start of this term. 

His tumultuous few months at the end of last year and the beginning of this appear to have put an end to his Three Lions career. 

The last of his 86 international caps came in November 2023 under former boss Gareth Southgate.

Henderson was subsequently left out of England’s squad for the European Championship and has not been named in either of the squads picked by interim boss Lee Carsley. 

The veteran midfielder now plays for Dutch giants Ajax after a short spell in Saudi Arabia

Henderson played alongside Diogo Jota (right) for three seasons at Anfield before his abrupt exit

The Englishman was also introduced to the Reds’ current assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff

Liverpool, meanwhile, are preparing for a trip to London to face Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon. The Reds have made a superb start under Arne Slot, winning eight of their first nine games under the Dutchman. 

Victory at Selhurst Park would ensure they remain at the top of the Premier League for another weekend at the very least.