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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has criticised the \u201cmorality officers\u201d who have rounded on Jordan Henderson following his move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq.<\/p>\n
The former Liverpool captain, as a long-time supporter of the LGBT+ community, has drawn widespread condemnation for his decision to move to a country where homosexuality is illegal.<\/p>\n
However, Rodgers \u2013 who managed Henderson during his three years at Anfield \u2013 defended a player\u2019s decision to choose where they ply their trade.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s their profession, it\u2019s their life so they have to do what\u2019s best for them,\u201d Rodgers told talkSPORT. \u201cThere are so many morality officers around the world nowadays that are judging people.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut Jordan I know extremely well and I know the love he had and will always have for Liverpool.<\/p>\n
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\u201cHe was at the stage of his career where he probably wasn\u2019t going to be the first name on the teamsheet any more.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt 32 years of age, he\u2019s won absolutely everything. He probably fancied a different challenge and out of respect, it probably didn\u2019t feel right for him being at another Premier League club.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo to go abroad and take on a new challenge clearly suited him.\u201d<\/p>\n
There are so many morality officers around the world nowadays that are judging people<\/p>\n
In his interview with The Athletic, Henderson stressed money was not a motivating factor for him and denied reports he was earning \u00a3700,000-a-week.<\/p>\n
But the wealth of the Saudi Pro League, particularly Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli who are backed by the country\u2019s sovereign wealth fund, has undoubtedly had a massive impact on this summer\u2019s transfer window and will on windows to come.<\/p>\n
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\u201cIt\u2019s definitely something that makes players wobble because of the money that\u2019s talked about and what it can do for players and the legacy it can create for their families for years down the line,\u201d Rodgers added.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat makes (Saudi Arabia) dangerous is not only the money, they have a plan. The plan is attracting top players and looking to get top managers out there.\u201d<\/p>\n