Jordan Henderson’s ‘head spinning as Ajax captain apologises after refusing armband in bid to seal Monaco transfer’
JORDAN HENDERSON had been caught up in a transfer storm that saw him refuse to wear the Ajax captain's armband before returning to the dressing room with his tail between his legs.
Henderson, 34, has been linked with a spectacular switch to AS Monaco in the dying embers of the January transfer window.
The 81-time England international had reportedly been tempted by a switch to Monaco, agreeing personal terms with the Ligue 1 club on a contract until the summer of 2026.
But his ideal switch to the French league was scuppered when current club Ajax made it clear that they want to keep hold of him.
Ajax offered Henderson a lifeline after his move to Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ettifaq went down in burning flames last January.
Ajax's helping hand
The Dutch giants footed a hefty signing bonus and healthy pay packet for Henderson after he left the Saudi club on a free transfer just six months after joining.
READ MORE ON JORDAN HENDERSON
And it appears that they, understandably, want to keep hold of the man they've committed so much time and money to - not least because he is still contracted until 2026 in Amsterdam.
However, a report from Dutch outlet claims that Henderson was willing to force his way out of the club to get his move - and he wanted it to be for FREE.
Forcing his way out
De Telegraaf claim the former Liverpool man had requested that Ajax allow him to leave to join AS Monaco on a free transfer, despite having 18 months remaining on his contract.
Henderson is said to have threatened that he would no longer line up for Ajax if he was denied his lucrative switch to the French league.
Most read in Football
CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
In fact, in a last ditch attempt to show is frustrations at being denied an exit, Henderson reportedly REFUSED to wear the captain's armband for Ajax's 2-1 Europa League win over Galatasaray on Thursday.
Despite being listed as the club captain on the team sheet pre-match, manager Francesco Farioli handed the armband to goalkeeper Remko Pasveer instead.
The controversy didn't stop there either as Henderson seemingly chose not to celebrate Ajax's two goals during the game.
While he also appeared to wave goodbye to the fans when he was substituted in the 77th minute.
Heavy criticism
Henderson's behaviour didn't go unnoticed. Fans and ex-pros were quick to share their dismay at the club captain seemingly being so open about trying to force a move.
Ajax icon Wesley Sneijder said live on Ziggo Sport: "Don’t be so difficult.
"You just play that match with the armband on and then you say, ‘Yeah guys, I don’t know yet’. Something is going on.
"We’ll see what happens tomorrow. Be a man and stand up. Right now, you get all this speculation, and you create unrest. It could have been much calmer if he had just worn the armband."
While Ajax fans labelled Henderson as a "disgrace of a player" online.
Change of heart
Following a whirlwind 24 hours of uncertainty, Henderson appears to have now had a change of heart.
According to a sperate report by , the midfielder has now apologised for his behaviour.
It's claimed that Henderson has promised technical director Alex Kroes, who immediately came into the dressing room at full-time on Thursday, that he will STAY at Ajax until the end of the season.
The incredible u-turn comes after Henderson has reportedly claimed he has grown to love life at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Henderson had made 44 appearances for Ajax since his arrival a year ago, registering eight assists in that time.
While this season he has been one of the most crucial cogs in manager Farioli's side.
