Henderson Wanted Milner and Klopp to Raise the Champions League Trophy With Him

Photo by EMPICS Sport/EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images

The captain showed his team spirit in that biggest of moments.

Jordan Henderson lifting the Champion League trophy felt like the culmination of years of having to prove himself worthy of wearing the armband. It was a truly heartfelt moment to those of us who have had faith in him this whole time. If Henderson had had his way, though, that iconic moment would have looked very different.

Chris Bascombe, from the Telegraph, interviewed the captain during their US pre-season tour, and asked him to describe the moment when he got to first lift the trophy back in June.

Henderson admitted that he didn’t want to do it himself, and indeed he’d asked co-captain James Milner and manager Jürgen Klopp to do it with him.

“I felt myself, Millie and the gaffer should have lifted it together,” said Henderson.

“I asked Millie and the gaffer because I felt as though Millie is a big part of the squad. I know I wear the armband when I play but he wore it a lot when I haven’t been playing. He is a big part of the dressing room. Without him it would have been different - and the manager. What we did that night wouldn’t have been possible without the manager. But he said no. I hadn’t planned it.

“For me, the photo would have meant the same if the manager was lifting the trophy and I was stood behind him.”

We know how it ultimately ended up, but what did teammate and fellow England international James Milner have to say in response to Henderson’s suggestion?

“If anyone other than you lifts up that trophy they are getting f------ wrestled to the ground.”

Henderson has worked so hard in the years since Steven Gerrard left to prove himself worthy of wearing the captain’s armband. And it appears that his efforts haven’t gone unnoticed by his teammates, who were clearly thrilled for him.

“Even though people outside may have doubted (me), I have never felt it was that way inside. The players and manager have always been 100 per cent behind me and I have always felt their confidence,” Henderson insisted.

In conclusion, Henderson? Good guy. Milner? A real pal. Klopp? Excellent boss. This team? Pretty great.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com