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Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson admitted that he will forever remain associated with the club. However, he must set those feelings aside when his Chelsea side make the journey to Anfield on Wednesday. The 36-year-old midfielder - who arrived at Stamford Bridge on a free transfer this summer - enjoyed 12 years as a Red and wore the armband for the final eight years of his time at the club. Henderson will now face his old team in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
He left the club in 2023 to join Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq, but managed only six months in the Middle East before returning to Europe with Ajax. An 18-month period in the Eredivisie concluded in May 2025, with Henderson signing for Brentford and featuring prominently in the Bees' ninth-placed campaign last term.
His switch to Stamford Bridge raised some eyebrows, considering the fierce rivalry between Liverpool and Chelsea. Nevertheless, Reds supporters can take comfort knowing Henderson's devotion to Liverpool remains unwavering.
The former skipper penned a heartfelt message upon his exit over three years ago, expressing his lasting affection for the club.
Henderson wrote on social media: "It's hard to put these last 12 years into words and it's even harder to say goodbye. I will always be a Red. Until the day I die. Thank you for everything. You'll never walk alone. Jordan."
Henderson's last visit to Anfield came on the final day of last season, when Brentford secured a 1-1 draw with the Reds. His first reunion after leaving Liverpool took place in the reverse fixture earlier that campaign at the Gtech Community Stadium. The Bees inflicted a fourth consecutive defeat on the visiting side with their 3-2 triumph.
Henderson spoke candidly about his affection for Liverpool after the final whistle: "I was there 12 years, dedicated a lot of my life. My kids were born there, so it holds a special place in my heart. I still want Liverpool to do well - of course not when we're playing them, but overall - and that'll never change.
"And the fans have always been amazing, and it was special just to see a few of them. I know they probably left a bit early because of the result, but it was nice to see them again."
Now, he'll take on the Reds once again, having discovered renewed form under Xabi Alonso. He's featured in four Premier League matches so far this season and has registered two goals and one assist.
Discussing this fresh chapter, he added: "I'm enjoying the challenge. I think a lot of people spoke about the move when I came but for me I've just got to do my talking on the pitch.
"It helps when you're playing with top players around you and I feel like the team's really coming together. I don't really think too much about what other people say. I have just as important a role as every other player on the team, I've just got to bring whatever I bring.
"But they also help me as well. It's not all me coming here to help younger players, younger players can also help experienced players. I'm still learning, and I'm still improving.
"There are going to be so many different opinions I just try and use it as fuel, use it as energy, to prove people wrong again. I just want to do my business on the pitch. That's where I do the talking really."
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