England midfielder Jordan Henderson has joined Dutch club Ajax on a two-and-half-year deal after less than six months at Al-Ettifaq.
The 33-year-old signed a three-year contract worth a reported £700,000 a week with the Saudi Pro League club after leaving Liverpool in July.
Al-Ettifaq agreed to terminate his contract to facilitate the move.
“I’m sad to say that I will be leaving Al Ettifaq with immediate effect,” Henderson wrote on social media.
“It wasn’t an easy decision but one that I feel is best for me and my family.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the club and the fans for all the support during my time. I really felt the love from day one.
“I’ll keep watching and hoping for your success. Good luck for the future.”
Ajax host RKC Waalwijk on Sunday but Henderson is unlikely to be able to make his debut in that game as he awaits international clearance.
Henderson called the past few days a “whirlwind” and a “crazy few days” but that he was excited to be starting a “new chapter” in his career and life.
“Putting on that Ajax shirt for the first time will be really special and I can’t wait for that to happen,” he said in an interview released by his new club.
“Once I knew that there was an opportunity [to move here], I was over-excited and just overwhelmed that this opportunity was there for me.
“It was something that I wanted to try to make happen so it is very humbling for me to be here now. It’s a special day.”
Shortly after Henderson’s departure was confirmed, it was announced that ex-Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard had extended his deal as Al-Ettifaq manager until 2027.
