Jordan Henderson officially completes transfer to Al-Ettifaq
Jordan Henderson's transfer to Al-Ettifaq is finally complete, as Liverpool posted confirmation of the deal on Thursday.
The 33-year-old, who has already been pictured training with his new side in Croatia, released an emotional goodbye video on Instagram on Wednesday.
However, official word of his exit didn't arrive until Thursday afternoon as Liverpool confirmed the deal with a statement on their website, as well as tributes shared on their social channels.
The club statement, in part, reads: "Liverpool Football Club can confirm Jordan Henderson has completed a transfer to Al-Ettifaq.
"The move to the Saudi Pro League side sees the midfielder bring an end to his 12-year Reds career, during which he lifted eight trophies, all but one of which as club captain.
"As his Anfield chapter now comes to a close with a move to Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, everybody at Liverpool Football Club wishes to place on record their thanks and gratitude for everything Jordan Henderson did for the club during his 12 years as a Red."
The club also posted an interview with Jurgen Klopp, who said: "I know it was a really, really tough decision for Hendo and I was around or with him all the way. It's sad, absolutely strange, because he is the only captain I had here at Liverpool, but I think it is exciting for him as well. We will miss him, without a shadow of a doubt, that's clear - as a man and as a player. But, as I said, that's football.
"Top-class professional, top bloke and a really, really, really good player. That's what you need to be if you want to play that long for Liverpool."
It is understood that Henderson's transfer to Al-Ettifaq, who are managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, will net the Reds £12m, while the 33-year-old has signed a contract worth £350k a week for three years.
Al-Ettifaq have also posted a welcome video for their new signing.
READ MORE: Jordan Henderson — Liverpool legend with a tainted legacy
It is widely expected that Henderson's exit will be followed by that of Fabinho.
The 29-year-old will reportedly not travel to Singapore with the rest of the first-team squad as work continues on his £40m move to Al-Ittihad, also in the Saudi Arabian Pro League.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are making strides in their attempts to bring in another midfielder, having made a second bid for Southampton's 19-year-old star Romeo Lavia.
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