What Jordan Henderson said after leaving Sunderland in 2011 ahead of reunion

Sunderland’s next Premier League game sees them take on Brentford at the Stadium of Light.

Regis Le Bris’ men are looking to bounce back to winning ways after Sunderland were beaten 2-0 by Burnley in the Premier League, and were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Huddersfield Town.

As Le Bris’ side return to Premier League action at home, Jordan Henderson will return to the club where he started his career.

Henderson left Sunderland to join Liverpool back in 2011, and has enjoyed an illustrious career with the Reds, before eventually returning back to the Premier League following his move to Brentford this summer.

Jordan Henderson Sunderland
Credit: Imago

Jordan Henderson’s first words as a Liverpool player following his move from Sunderland

Speaking to Liverpool’s website back in 2011, Henderson said: “I’m over the moon, overjoyed to be here and I’m really looking forward to it.

“Obviously it’s hard to leave your local club. I’m a Sunderland lad, I’ve supported them all my life.

“But I’m really looking forward to the future now and obviously this is a massive opportunity for me. I’m really excited by it.”

In a move that cost around £20million, Henderson won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup with Liverpool, before having short stints at Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq, and Dutch giants Ajax.

This summer, Henderson was heavily linked with Sunderland, however the reunion did not materialise, and the 35-year-old swiftly joined Brentford.

StatJordan Henderson
Appearances71
Goals4
Assists8
Jordan Henderson’s Premier League stats for Sunderland

Brentford also sit on three points after two games, and Henderson will be hoping to secure his side’s victory against his boyhood club.

Read more: Bologna ready to sell Jhon Lucumi to Sunderland on one condition after bid increased

Chris Rigg in Sunderland gear
Credit: Imago

Chris Rigg can emulate Jordan Henderson’s achievements

With Henderson going on to have a brilliant career, Chris Rigg has the potential to become a real superstar for Sunderland.

Similar to Henderson, Rigg is a top talent who has come through the Sunderland academy.

This week, Sunderland announced that Rigg has signed a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2030.

Rigg, who is the youngest outfield player and youngest scorer in the club’s history, featured in 45 out of 46 Championship games last season.

Despite taking more of a backseat this season, with Granit Xhaka, Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki taking up the midfield starting roles in the Premier League, it is undeniable that Rigg has a bright future ahead of him.

Sunderland have made many impressive signings during the transfer window, but tying down the club’s star talent is one of their best bits of business.

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