Jordan Henderson may have found a second wind at Chelsea, but one celebration has already changed the way some Liverpool fans see their former captain.
After leaving Liverpool in 2023, Henderson joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq at the invitation of Steven Gerrard. He later moved to Ajax before returning to the Premier League with Brentford.
However, new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso surprisingly brought Henderson back to a Premier League giant. The idea was for the experienced midfielder to add leadership to a young Chelsea dressing room, with the Blues having an average squad age of just 24 years and 36 days last season.
But Henderson has brought more than experience. He has also brought goals.
After making just his second appearance for Chelsea, Henderson played a major role in the Blues’ 5-1 demolition of Bournemouth in the sixth round of the Premier League.
It was a memorable afternoon for the veteran midfielder. Henderson recorded his first assist for Chelsea before scoring twice, with his second goal coming in the 70th minute.
And he certainly saved the best for last. Henderson stepped up to take a free-kick and produced an elegant finish to complete his brace.
The performance was his most productive since 2013 and could have been the perfect moment for Liverpool supporters to celebrate the success of a former captain they still remember fondly.
Instead, Henderson’s celebration quickly became the main talking point.
After finding the net from the set piece, the midfielder turned towards the Chelsea badge and hit it twice.
It was a clear sign of affection for his new club – but Liverpool fans on social media were not impressed.
One fan wrote: “Jordan Henderson tapped the Chelsea badge twice. Yep, he’s a proper rat.”
Another said: “Jordan Henderson slapping the Chelsea badge is horrible.”
And another supporter admitted: “Just remembered Jordan Henderson tapped the Chelsea badge after his goal ðŸ˜ðŸ˜.”
It is easy to understand why the celebration caught the attention of Liverpool supporters given what Henderson achieved during his time at Anfield.
The midfielder joined Liverpool from Sunderland in 2011 and spent 12 years at the club before leaving in the summer of 2023.
During that time, Henderson made 492 appearances in all competitions, scoring 33 goals and providing 58 assists. He became Liverpool captain in 2015 after Steven Gerrard’s departure and went on to wear the armband in more than 268 matches.
His trophy cabinet at Liverpool was also impressive.
Henderson lifted the Premier League title in 2019/20. He also won the Champions League in 2018/19, as well as the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup in 2019.
His other major honours included the FA Cup and two League Cups, in 2011/12 and 2021/22.
After 12 years and hundreds of appearances for Liverpool, Henderson left the club in the summer of 2023 to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq.