Jordan Henderson laughed off his haters on his return to Anfield on Wednesday night.

Liverpool legend Henderson, 36, played the full 90 minutes of the Carabao Cup last-16 tie as Chelsea lost 6-5 on penalties, although the veteran did score his spot kick. 

It capped what must have been a strange night for the midfielder as he went back to the club where he made 492 appearances and won eight trophies over a 12-year period. Henderson left to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq in the summer of 2023.

Despite his long service, Henderson received a vociferous reception as a Chelsea player, with the home faithful booing him every time he touched the ball.

And, after the Blues were awarded a penalty in the first half when Ryan Gravenberch fouled Moises Caicedo, that atmosphere escalated further.

Henderson picked up the ball and walked towards the penalty spot as if he was going to take the spot kick.

As he did so, Henderson was loudly jeered and he allowed himself a wry smile and laugh as he looked back towards the crowd.

Henderson ultimately handed the ball over to Morgan Rogers, who made no mistake from the spot. 

The hostile reception may have been in part motivated by the midfielder's desire to contest several decisions with Liverpool's players and referee Darren England, along with the fact he is now representing Chelsea. 

At one point early in the first half, both Henderson and his former team-mate Virgil van Dijk fought their case in one discussion with England.

As they walked away, the pair shouted at each other from afar in what must have been a strange sight for Liverpool supporters to witness.

Henderson did later appear to applaud the crowd after the game when he was also seen laughing and joking with van Dijk.

Meanwhile, at the end of last season, Henderson, who has similarly played for Ajax and Brentford in recent years, returned to Anfield for the first time with the Bees.

On that occasion, he received a warm reception and then a standing ovation when he was substituted in the second half.

Speaking after that game, he wrote on social media: 'I'd like to thank the Liverpool fans for the reception they gave me yesterday.

'It meant a lot to me going back to Anfield and being able to say thank you for everything you gave me in my 12 years at the club. It's a feeling that I'll never forget.

'To be able to be there to see my two brothers, Mo [Salah] and Robbo [Andy Robertson], say goodbye and get the send-off they deserve was also special.

'We spent some amazing times together that I will cherish forever. I wish you both all the very best in your next chapters.'