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The former Liverpool captain has returned to the English top-flight after signing for Brentford on a free transfer, two years after calling time on his Anfield career.

The 35-year-old left the Reds in controversial circumstances in July 2023 as he signed for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in a £12m deal.

He helped them qualify for Europe in his first few months and then sealed Champions League qualification last season - although a late collapse saw them miss out on the Eredivisie title in agonising circumstances.

Former Liverpool assistant coach John Heitinga returned to Amsterdam as he was appointed Ajax head coach earlier this summer.

Ajax will always hold a special place in our hearts.”

Henderson will now be reunited with a number of familiar faces with Brentford in former Liverpool team-mates Caoimhin Kelleher, Sepp van den Berg and Fabio Carvalho.

And also facing the prospect of locking horns with the Reds and his boyhood club Sunderland, the veteran has shared his delight at returning to the Premier League.

“I still had, I suppose after a couple of years away, that fire to maybe come back and play in the Premier League again,” he admitted to club media.

We’ll be doing everything we can to try and win.”

Henderson made 492 appearances during his 12 years with Liverpool, scoring 33 goals and recording 58 assists.

Captaining the Reds for eight seasons, he famously led the club to Premier League and Champions League glory, and also won the FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup, two League Cups, the European Super Cup and the Community Shield.

However, after leaving Liverpool for Al-Ettifaq in the summer of 2023, he claimed he had felt unwanted by Jurgen Klopp and the club when explaining his decision.

“There were a few things that sent alarm bells ringing,” he revealed.

What we’ve achieved together in the past 12 years has been incredible.

And I have to then think about what’s next for me in my career.

"Now, that’s not to say that they forced me out of the club or they were saying they wanted me to leave but at no point did I feel wanted by the club or anyone to stay.”

Henderson was never granted a ‘proper’ farewell by Liverpool supporters, courtesy of the timing of his exit.

However, he returned to Anfield as a fan to see the Reds lift the Premier League trophy back in May.

Meanwhile, he also paid his own personal visit to the stadium to pay his respects to Diogo Jota earlier this month, laying a floral tribute and scarf in honour of his late team-mate, before travelling with the Liverpool first-team squad to Portugal for the forward's funeral.

Henderson is certain to receive a warm reception when he faces off against the Reds this season - even if he has warned them not to expect any favours from their former captain.

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Liverpool are set to travel to Brentford on October 25, while Henderson will potentially have to wait until the final game of the season to make his first return to Anfield as a player with the Reds set to host the Bees on May 24.