Jake Daniels calls Jordan Henderson’s Saudi Arabia move a ‘slap in the face’

Henderson messaged Daniels after he publicly came out

Last year, Daniels became the first openly gay British professional footballer since Justin Fashanu in 1990.

Daniels revealed that at the time, Henderson had sent him a message showing his support for the youngster but claimed his recent move to Al Etiffaq proves that "money is more important to some people".

"He [Henderson] messaged me when I came out. He was backing me and said: 'We’re proud of what you’ve done.' And seeing him move to Saudi [Arabia], it kind of like, slaps me in my face really. Obviously it was frustrating. But I guess the money pays well, and money must mean more to people," he told BBC’s Newsbeat.

Henderson had been a vocal supporters of LGBTQ+ groups across the country but his move to the Middle East, to a nation where homosexuality is illegal even punishable by death, led to some accusing the England midfielder of turning his back on the community and tarnishing all of his previous work.

He hasn't spoken to Henderson since he joined the Saudi club.

The 18-year-old also criticised Steven Gerrard, who is Henderson's manager at Al Ettifaq.

"I met [Gerrard] in person and he said: 'If you ever want to get in contact then message me.' But he moved over [to Saudi Arabia]. It was frustrating." Daniels said.

Saudi Arabia look like they are in pole position to host the 2034 World Cup and Daniels said that he "would not feel safe" if he were to travel to the Gulf State.

He added: "The World Cup that happened in Qatar, [and] the one that is going to happen in Saudi Arabia, for me if I was there I wouldn’t feel safe, so that’s just putting your football in jeopardy."

Related links:

• Blackpool’s Jake Daniels says he’s met his ‘soulmate’ after coming out as gay
• England LGBT fans say Maguire is wrong to criticise Jordan Henderson boos
• Gareth Southgate makes Saudi Arabia decision amid Jordan Henderson call-up