Jordan Henderson has explained the thinking behind his Chelsea transfer after he left Brentford earlier in the summer, joining Liverpool's rival three years after departing
Jordan Henderson is unveiled as a new Chelsea player.
Jordan Henderson is unveiled as a new Chelsea player.(Image: Chris Lee - Chelsea FC)
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been confirmed as a new Chelsea player after leaving Brentford earlier this summer.
Three years on from exiting Anfield to move to Saudi Arabia, this is now the fourth team that Henderson will have represented in that period. He left for Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, before moving to Ajax. He then returned to the Premier League to sign for Brentford last year, but only remained there for 12 months.
Henderson was a part of the England squad at the World Cup, mainly for his leadership and experience. Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has brought him to Stamford Bridge for similar reasons.
"Given the size of the club, the manager, who I have great admiration for, and the quality of the players, this was a huge opportunity I couldn’t turn down," Henderson said as he was unveiled.
"I was also so impressed with how much the ownership want Chelsea to be successful and move in the right direction.
"For me, it's about giving everything every single day, both on and off the field, to help the players around me and the team as much as possible. I'm very excited to get going."
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JULY 18: Jordan Henderson #14 of England applauds the fans after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Bronze Final between France and England at Miami Stadium on July 18, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Leonardo Fernandez - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)(Image: Getty Images)
Chelsea has had a policy of only signing young players with a sell-on value in recent years, but that approach appears to have changed as part of the deal that saw Alonso come in.
"It’s probably best for my teammates to speak, but football is a team sport, and everything should be about the team," Henderson said when he was asked about the attributes that he can bring.
"Throughout my career, everything I’ve tried to do has been for the team. I’ve tried to make people around me better by being the best teammate I can be.
"When I’m on the training pitch, it’s about having those relationships where you can demand from people, but also know the right time to have conversations and a laugh and a joke as well — getting the balance right.
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"The older you get, you go through a lot of different experiences. At times, you can relate to younger players when you look back at your own career and think about the things I have been through that I can see similar situations happening.
"I try to speak to them and give them a different perspective. To speak to someone and give them your experiences is a good thing and an important thing to do."
Liverpool.com says: It will take some time to get used to Henderson playing in blue. It will be interesting to see what kind of reception he and Alonso get when they return to Anfield, but that won't be until May.