Henderson: Being out was so difficult - I want to come back stronger
Jordan Henderson is using the experience of his frustrating final months of last season as inspiration to come back stronger from injury in the new campaign.
The Liverpool captain did not feature for the team after February 11 due to a foot injury, meaning he had to watch from the sidelines as the Reds successfully sealed a place in the Premier League top four.
It was a hard time for Henderson on a personal level, particularly because the midfielder did not have a potential return date to work towards in his recovery.
Thankfully, those difficulties appear to be behind the skipper, who has played in each of the three friendlies so far this summer and impressed during the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League Asia Trophy on Wednesday.
And as he spoke to Liverpoolfc.com in an extended interview on tour in Hong Kong, which will be available to watch in full from 5.15pm BST on Friday on LFCTV and LFCTV GO, Henderson targeted a positive end to a period that has tested his mental strength.
“The majority of the injuries I’ve had have been difficult ones, in terms of not knowing how long and not having a timeframe to work to,” he said at the team hotel.
“I’d say the last few months were very difficult personally. You’ve got to learn from the experience. I feel stronger for it physically and mentally.
“The gaffer helped me a lot when I was injured. For any player, injuries are the worst part of football but you’ve got to deal with it the best way you can and try to come back stronger.”
LFCTV GO: Henderson's passing masterclass against Palace
The short-term target for the No.14 is to complete a full pre-season, which would allow for a fresh start when Liverpool begin 2017-18 proper by travelling to Watford on the opening weekend of the Premier League campaign.
It will be Henderson’s seventh term with the Reds – and, as he considers standard each year, his most important.
“Every season you go into is the biggest season, no matter who you are,” added the England international.
“Whether you are a young player, an experienced player or a player who has just come in, every season is massive for us individually and as a team. This one is no different and I’m looking forward to it.”
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