Jordan Henderson has revealed that his long -term admiration for Brentford and their remarkable recent turnout played a factor in his decision to become a member of the bees.
The West -London club confirmed the signing of the former Liverpool captain on a free transfer on Tuesday after the termination of his contract with Ajax.
Henderson, described by bee owner Keith Andrews as 'one of the most influential leaders in modern Premier League years' will fill the emptiness that has been left behind by the loss of their captain and first-choice Defensive Midden Fielder Christian Norgaard in Arsenal last week.
“I've always had enormous admiration for the club,” said the 35-year-old. “And what they have achieved in recent years, in particular how they have grown as a club.”
Henderson, who has agreed a two -year contract, also spoke strongly about new boss Andrews, starting his first head coaching role.
“When I spoke to Keith a few times, he was very good and honest, and he was also excited to get started,” Henderson added.
The bees have won the race to bring Henderson back to the Premier League, despite interest in his services from all over Europe.
Brentford will be confronted with a huge reconstruction period this summer, after he had already lost their captain and manager after Thomas Frank had also moved to North London and joined Norgaards new arch rivals Tottenham to replace Ange Postecoglou.
Similarly, they could also lose star man Bryan Mbeumo, who has twice been the subject of strong bids from Manchester United.
Frank has been replaced by Andrews, who will be happy to add a player with Henderson's experience in his dressing room.
In a statement on the club's website Andrews expressed his joy about recruiting a player with the qualities of the English international and acknowledged the need to fill the void that was left behind by experienced stars.
“We generally have a fairly young team, and we have a lot of cluber experience, which is really important, such as Vitaly Janelt, Mathias Jensen, Ethan Pinnock and Josh Dasilva, who is still at the club,” said Andrews.
'But what Jordan will bring is that he has been one of the most influential leaders in the modern Premier League years. He was paramount in driving for titles and champion competitions in a fantastic football club.
'He also has experience at international level with England and with that comes a level of experience, professionalism and dedication to his profession – that is precisely the way we want to be as a football club.
“He will manage standards and be a brilliant addition to the team.”
Henderson's Premier League-Teruging comes almost two years to the day since his controversial move to Al-Attifaq in Saudi Arabia, after he had put an end to his 12-year-old stay in Liverpool.
With the Reds, the former midfielder of Sunderland lifted a Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Club World Cup, European Super Cup and two Carabao Cups, as well as the Community Shield.