Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson made a surprise appearance at the Reds’ AXA training centre on Friday.

The 34-year-old left Merseyside in doubt in 2023 when he opted for a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq, managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.

But Henderson’s Middle Eastern adventure lasted only a few months before he moved to Ajax in January, marking a swift return to European football.

The midfielder received a hero’s welcome from Liverpool players at Kirkby on Friday, where he spent 12 seasons, winning seven trophies.

Henderson warmly embraced a number of players who remain from his time at the club, including current captain Virgil van Dijk and vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold.

He has also shared time with the likes of Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones at the Reds’ training ground.

Henderson has impressed for the most part since moving to the Netherlands, quickly becoming a leader in the dressing room of young players.

He has worn the captain’s armband on several occasions for Ajax, but has been in and out of the starting line-up quite often this season.

A tumultuous few months at the end of last year and Promotion ufabet the start of this season appeared to have ended his England career.

His final appearance of 86 for the Three Lions came in November 2023 under Gareth Southgate.

Henderson was subsequently left out of England’s Euro 2024 squad and was not selected by caretaker manager Lee Carsley.