Former Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson spoke out this week for the first time since he opted to leave for Saudi Arabia club Al Ettifaq, a move that has led to significant criticism, especially from the LGBTQ community.

Henderson has been a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ community throughout his career. Yet since he joined the Saudi Pro League on a reported $16.3 million deal this summer, he has been hit with backlash due to the country’s horrific human rights record — when it comes to the LGBTQ community and otherwise.

Henderson is back in England this month with the national team, and a fan group is already planning to protest his move should he appear in games against Ukraine or Scotland, per ESPN.

While he understands why he’s being criticized and apologized for his move Henderson also tried to defend his jump.