Morality officers all around, claims Rodgers hence defending Hendo for Saudi move

Former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has leapt to the defence of Jordan Henderson for deciding to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq.

Henderson, the former Liverpool skipper, was subject of severe criticism after claiming his move from Liverpool to the Middle East was not financially motivated.

If Klopp or the owners said to me: 'We want you to stay', we wouldn’t be having this conversation

It comes after Henderson established himself as a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights during his Anfield tenure.

Homosexuality is criminalised in Saudi Arabia and punishable by the death penalty.

What the Ettifaq!? Hendo sells out for a QUADRUPLE salary and betrays his LGBT fans

Rodgers, who managed Henderson during his time with the Reds, slammed those judgement and said players can do what they like with their careers.

"It's their profession, it's their life so they have to do what's best for them," the Celtic boss told talkSPORT.

"There's so many morality officers around the world nowadays that are judging people.

"But Jordan I know extremely well and I know the love he had for Liverpool. He was at the stage of his career where he probably wasn't going to be the first name on the team sheet anymore. At 32-years of age, he's won absolutely everything.

"He probably fancied a different challenge and out of respect, it probably didn't feel right for him being at another Premier League club. So to go abroad and take on a new challenge clearly suited him."

Rodgers did conclude that the king's ransoms on offer will sway the decision making of players, particularly those in the latter stages of their career like Hendo.

"It's definitely something that makes players wobble because of the money that's talked about and what it can do for players and the legacy it can create for their families for years down the line," he added.