Blackpool ahead Jake Daniels has mentioned it was a slap within the face when Jordan Henderson moved to play in Saudi Arabia.
Daniels final 12 months grew to become the primary brazenly homosexual lively British male skilled footballer since Justin Fashanu in 1990.
Former Liverpool captain Henderson had been a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ+ group earlier than his determination to affix Saudi membership Al-Ettifaq from Liverpool in the summertime.
Homosexuality is unlawful within the Gulf state, main some to accuse the England midfielder of turning his again on the group.
Talking to the BBC’s Newsbeat, Daniels mentioned: “He (Henderson) messaged me after I got here out. He was backing me and mentioned: ‘We’re pleased with what you’ve accomplished.’ And seeing him transfer to Saudi, it type of like, slaps me in my face actually.
“Clearly it was irritating. However I suppose the cash pays nicely, and cash should imply extra to folks.”
Henderson’s former Liverpool and England team-mate Steven Gerrard is at the moment his supervisor within the Saudi Professional League.
Daniels, who made his senior debut for Blackpool in Could 2022, mentioned Gerrard had personally reached out to him following his announcement.
He added: “I met him in particular person and he mentioned: ‘Should you ever need to get involved then message me’. However he moved over (to Saudi Arabia). It was irritating.”
Saudi Arabia is the only bidder to host the 2034 males’s World Cup, 12 years after Qatar – the place homosexuality can be unlawful – staged the worldwide match.
Daniels mentioned he “wouldn’t really feel secure” travelling to such locations.
Blackpool ahead Jake Daniels says Jordan Henderson’s transfer to Saudi Arabia was a “slap within the face”#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/bx3c1rw5Ez
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 22, 2023
He mentioned: “The World Cup that occurred in Qatar, the one that’s going to occur in Saudi Arabia, for me if I used to be there I wouldn’t really feel secure, in order that’s simply placing your soccer in jeopardy.”
Daniels believes his determination to return out 18 months in the past has helped his profession.
“It has been loopy since popping out,” he added.
“I didn’t suppose it might blow up as a lot because it did. The reception I’ve had, the folks I’ve met, it’s been a loopy expertise.
“Popping out was the most effective factor I’ve ever accomplished. I’m enjoying higher now.”