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Blackpool forward Jake Daniels has said it was a slap in the face when Jordan Henderson moved to play in Saudi Arabia.<\/p>\n
Daniels last year became the first openly gay active British male professional footballer since Justin Fashanu in 1990.<\/p>\n
Former Liverpool captain Henderson had been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ community before his decision to join Saudi club Al-Ettifaq from Liverpool in the summer.<\/p>\n
Homosexuality is illegal in the Gulf state, leading some to accuse the England midfielder of turning his back on the community.<\/p>\n
Speaking to the BBC\u2019s Newsbeat, Daniels said: \u201cHe (Henderson) messaged me when I came out. He was backing me and said: \u2018We\u2019re proud of what you\u2019ve done.\u2019 And seeing him move to Saudi, it kind of like, slaps me in my face really.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously it was frustrating. But I guess the money pays well, and money must mean more to people.\u201d<\/p>\n
Henderson\u2019s former Liverpool and England team-mate Steven Gerrard is currently his manager in the Saudi Pro League.<\/p>\n
Daniels, who made his senior debut for Blackpool in May 2022, said Gerrard had personally reached out out to him following his decision to come out.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cI met him in person and he said: \u2018If you ever want to get in contact then message me\u2019. But he moved over (to Saudi Arabia). It was frustrating\u201d<\/p>\n
Saudi Arabia is the sole bidder to host the 2034 men\u2019s World Cup, 12 years after Qatar \u2013 where homosexuality is also illegal \u2013 staged the global tournament.<\/p>\n
Daniels said he \u201cwouldn\u2019t feel safe\u201d travelling to such places.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cThe World Cup that happened in Qatar, the one that is going to happen in Saudi Arabia, for me if I was there I wouldn\u2019t feel safe, so that\u2019s just putting your football in jeopardy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Daniels believes his decision to come out 18 months ago has helped his career.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has been crazy since coming out,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t think it would blow up as much as it did. The reception I\u2019ve had, the people I\u2019ve met, it\u2019s been a crazy experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cComing out was the best thing I\u2019ve ever done. I\u2019m playing better now.\u201d<\/p>\n