LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall believes Jordan Henderson has an opportunity to “create a new blueprint” for discussion about LGBTQ+ rights after his controversial move to Saudi Arabia. The England midfielder was viewed as a huge ally to the LGBTQ+ community during his time as Liverpool captain so his switch to Al-Ettifaq in a country where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death has, understandably, attracted widespread criticism. The former Germany footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger, who announced he was gay in 2014 after his playing career was over, said the England international’s “brand” as an ally of the LGBTQ+ community is now dead. Stonewall’s director of external affairs Robbie de Santos hopes the attention the move has attracted will help shine further light on Saudi Arabia. “We are watching with interest because what comes next is the most important thing,” said De Santos. “Does he continue to be an ally and what does that look like in the context of playing in Saudi Arabia? It feels to me that this is the most high-profile, global conversation we’ve had about a footballer moving to Saudi Arabia. “I think this is an opportunity to create a new blueprint for doing that because Jordan has been such a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Other players who have gone over have not had that kind of record. Jordan has an incredible opportunity to break that cycle and to be outspoken about LGBTQ+ rights because no-one can pretend he hasn’t done that.” The initial signs are not encouraging in regards to the likelihood of Henderson’s move to Saudi Arabia having a positive impact on LGBTQ+ rights; the montage video Al-Ettifaq used on their social media channels to announce Henderson saw any image of him wearing a rainbow captain’s armband greyed out. “I was shocked but not surprised at such blatant erasure of the LGBTQ+ community through that and it shines a light on just how systematic the Saudi authorities and the prevailing culture is, eliminating and eradicating the visibility of our community there,” De Santos said. Meanwhile, Riyad Mahrez has completed his move from Manchester City to Saudi Arabia club Al-Ahli for a fee understood to be worth up to £30m. Mahrez spent five years at City and helped the club win 11 trophies, including four Premier League titles and the Champions League. “To play for Manchester City has been an honour and privilege,” said the 32-year-old. “I came to City to win trophies and enjoy my football and I achieved all that and so much more. Manchester City will forever be a huge and happy part of my life.”