On this day (June 9) 2011, Liverpool signed central midfielder Jordan Henderson from boyhood club Sunderland.
Signed by Sir Kenny Dalglish in a deal reported to be worth £20million (BBC), the then 20-year-old arrived on Merseyside with plenty of expectation.
After confirming the move to Anfield, Henderson told the club’s official website: “I’m over the moon, overjoyed to be here and I’m really looking forward to it. Obviously, it’s hard to leave your local club. I’m a Sunderland lad, I’ve supported them all my life.”
Despite struggles in the early parts of his time with the Reds – receiving criticism from many quarters – the hard-working star has always believed in his own ability and since taking the captains armband off Steven Gerrard, has gone from strength to strength.
Having led the club to UEFA Champions League, Premier League, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Club glory, Henderson’s name is well and truly etched in history.
To mark the momentous occasion, Liverpool spoke to the star’s father – whom he shared a poignant moment with immediately after the final in Madrid.
Twitter: Here’s to you, @JHenderson…
https://t.co/4Xp2xQxtgF (@LFC)
From being asked to fill the boots left by Gerrard, a player Henderson hailed as ‘one of the best players in the world’ – the now 30-year-old has gone to make 392 appearances for the Reds so far.
Here’s to many more to come and ideally, many more glorious trophy shuffles.
