Ajax manager John van 't Schip poked fun at Jordan Henderson's Saudi Pro League experience, joking that he "didn't gain weight" at Al-Ettifaq.
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Henderson joins Ajax after Saudi nightmareOfficially announced on ThursdayVan 't Schip jokes he "didn't gain weight"WHAT HAPPENED?
The former Liverpool midfielder completed a move to the Dutch giants on Thursday, putting an end to a sorry six-month spell in Saudi in a dramatic transfer U-turn. It appeared Van 't Schip couldn't wait to meet with his new recruit, entering as Henderson looked to be putting the finishing touches to his medical checks. And the Ajax boss couldn't resist a dig at the midfielder's time in the Middle East, feigning surprise at his lack of weight gain.
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Van 't Schip's jokey comment is likely a reference to the drop down in intensity and overall standards in the Saudi league, especially considering Henderson's experience playing at the highest level. The Champions League and Premier League winner has since apologised for any offence he caused by moving to Ettifaq – a transfer which angered the LGBTQ+ community in particular – although admitted he had to be told why he couldn't be handed his beloved No.14 shirt.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR HENDERSON?
The England international embarks on a second career change in half a year in what is no doubt a desperate attempt to secure his spot in Gareth Southgate's Euros squad. Ajax, who are currently five points out from the European places, play RKC Waalwijk next in the Eredivisie on Sunday.