Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson moves to Saudi club Al-Ettifaq

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson on Thursday joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq on a three-year contract.

Al Ettifaq is managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, and the move brings Henderson’s 12-year Anfield career to an end.

"A leader. A warrior. We’re simply thrilled to have him, Henderson is ETTIFAQI," the Saudi club tweeted.

Liverpool also confirmed the move, saying: "As his Anfield chapter now comes to a close, everyone at the club wishes to place on record their thanks and gratitude for everything Jordan did for us during his 12 years as a Red."

In his farewell message, Handerson said: "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."

The 33-year-old moved to Anfield from Sunderland in the summer of 2011, netting 33 goals in 492 matches, and winning seven major trophies.

The Saudi Pro League, which is backed by the country's sovereign wealth fund, is on a hiring spree as the oil-rich kingdom tries to establish itself as a destination for the world’s top players.