Jordan Henderson has been stripped of the Ajax captaincy in a dramatic turn of events after attempting to force a move away from the Dutch giants.
Henderson was relieved of his captain’s armband for Thursday night’s Europa League clash against Galatasaray after making in it clear he wanted to pursue a move to Monaco. Ajax chiefs informed boss Francesco Faroili that he was free to select the former Liverpool captain for the game. However, Faroili chose to appoint goalkeeper Remco Pasveer as his skipper instead. Henderson played for 75 minutes before cramp forced him off the pitch.
The ex-England star’s relationship with the Amsterdam club has deteriorated after he requested to be released from a contract that runs until summer 2026. Henderson informed Ajax that he wanted another shot at the Champions League with Monaco, where he would also receive a pay rise on his current £90,000-a-week wage.
But Ajax were taken aback by the request and have warned the 34-year-old that they have no intention of letting him go just a year after they saved him from Al-Ettifaq, following his unsuccessful stint in the Saudi Pro-League. Despite initial struggles with form and fitness upon joining Ajax, Henderson has been a key player this season. He has made 43 appearances for the Dutch club and provided eight assists.
Ajax have indicated they are willing to entertain his desire to move on when the summer arrives but Henderson knows his chances of a transfer to Monaco could have vanished. Following the 2-1 win over Galatasaray, Henderson declined to speak with Dutch TV broadcasters. The team’s stand-in captain Pasveer revealed: “Jordan was on the team sheet as captain, but he had external factors influencing him.”
Ex-Netherlands star Wesley Sneijder commented: “There is a lot happening behind the scenes. I fear this may be Henderson’s last match after all.”