Jordan Henderson against Aston Villa – Chapter 24. This time, the English footballer will lead Ajax in Birmingham in the second leg of the Conference League round of 16. The first leg, a week ago in Amsterdam, ended in a goalless draw, giving both teams a good chance to advance to the quarterfinals of UEFA’s newest competition. Of course, as before the first leg, Henderson was once again the focus of attention in the English media. The long-time Sunderland and Liverpool midfielder, who, alongside Jürgen Klopp, brought seven trophies including the European crown, had to face the cameras again ahead of the match. This time, the English questioned him about the unsuccessful months in Saudi Arabia, where he prematurely parted ways with Al Ettifaq.🗣️ Jordan Henderson: “I now realize that football runs through my blood. The Saudi league is developing but it doesn’t suit me, I made a mistake going there. I am happy here at the Ajax project.” pic.twitter.com/gGDwnAywZg— Football Talk (@FootballTalkHQ) March 14, 2024 Henderson admitted on this occasion that he made a mistake by even accepting the call from the Middle East.”Now I realize that football runs through my veins. The Saudi Arabian league is developing, but it doesn’t suit me. I made a mistake going there. Now I’m happy with the project at Ajax,” Henderson said.Hard talk from Emery and friendship with Usain Bolt helped Villa’s Jamaican star turn career aroundThis 33-year-old midfielder won’t receive applause at Villa Park. That doesn’t bother him; he’s pleased to even get the chance to play in front of a British crowd.”I live for European nights like this. When people boo me, it gives me extra motivation. After all these years in my career, I haven’t lost the desire to prove the critics wrong. That’s how I express my emotions. It’s my passion” Henderson stated.It’s all about the money – when you don’t get it: Hendo returns to Europe with his reputation dentedAston Villa manager Unai Emery confirmed once again that his team will pay special attention to Henderson, whom he believes belongs in the Premier League.”He made a good decision to return to Europe, but it’s not entirely clear to me why he didn’t come back to England. I spent some time analyzing him while he was playing for Liverpool, and that’s why I respect him a lot. His performances have always been fantastic, just like they were a week ago. He’s very intelligent, knows how to play when his team is in possession, but also when they need to press the opponent. Bringing in Henderson is proof of how much Ajax wants to remain in this competition. He knows how English teams play” Emery concluded.UEFA CONFERENCE LEAGUE – ROUND OF 16Second legThursday 20.45: (1.85) PAOK (3.50) Dinamo Zagreb (4.40)20.45: (1.80) Fenerbahce (3.60) St.Gilloise (4.60)20.45: (1.37) Fiorentina (4.90) Maccabi Haifa (8.50)20.45: (1.90) Plzen (3.40) Servette (4.30)23.00: (1.48) Lille (4.20) Sturm (7.25)23.00: (3.05) Maccabi T.A. (3.45) Olympiakos (2.30)23.00: (1.37) Aston Villa (5.10) Ajax (7.75)23.00: (1.40) Club Brugge (4.80) Molde (7.75)***odds are subject to change***
