Jordan Henderson is relaxed over his contract situation at Liverpool, and insists he plans to remain at the club for many years to come.
The midfielder joined the Reds in a surprise £20million transfer from Sunderland in Kenny Dalglish’s second spell in charge back in the summer of 2011, but he initially struggled to make an impact on Merseyside. Indeed, when Brendan Rodgers took the reins in 2012, the future of the then-22-year-old was cast in doubt just 12 months after his arrival.
Henderson, though, decided to stay at Anfield and fight for his place in the side, and he has now established himself as a key member of the starting XI. In fact, with Steven Gerrard set to end his long association with the club at the end of the current season, it is widely accepted that his captain’s armband will be passed on to his former England colleague.
Although there has been little in the way of tabloid speculation about Henderson moving on, there will likely be some doubts as in the coming weeks if he hasn’t signed a new contract. His existing deal is set to expire in 15 months time, however, he insists he is not worried about this situation and is determined to remain at Liverpool for many years to come.
“Playing football is all I’ve ever wanted to do and contracts and stuff can be sorted out by clubs and agents,” he said in The Telegraph. “That’s why we’ve got agents and hopefully this can get done soon. All I want to do is concentrate on my football and not let this get in the way. I love playing football for Liverpool and I want to be there for many years.”
Henderson scored five times for the Reds as they finished runners-up in the Premier League last season, and this is a tally he has already reached as he strives for his most productive campaign in front of goal. He has yet to open his account for England, though, but will hope to rectify this on Tuesday night if he wins his 20th cap in a friendly in Turin against Italy.
“I always felt if I kept working hard and kept improving, I could have an important part to play at Liverpool…it’s the same with England,” he added. “I still feel there’s a lot more to come on the international level from me personally, so that’s another challenge for me. Can I perform better? Can I be better every single game I play? Hopefully I can carry on doing that and keep being an important player for Liverpool and hopefully England as well.”
