Josh Cavallo has slammed Jordan Henderson for his failed move to Saudi Arabia, insisting the Ajax captain now looks 'silly'.
Adelaide United star Cavallo came out as gay in October 2021, becoming the first-ever top-flight footballer to do so. At the time Henderson was Liverpool's captain and he sent a touching message to the Australian in support.
Henderson was also a vocal backer of the Rainbow Laces campaign, but Cavallo has insisted those words now mean nothing after he joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq last summer. Henderson left the Saudi club to join Ajax in humiliating fashion in January, having endured a dreadful six months in the Middle East.
Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football, Cavallo said: "It's quite disappointing. I understand everyone has their own careers but when you put your hand up and say 'I'm an ally' or congratulating someone, there's more to just sending that message.
"You have the responsibility then to actually action that message. It just looks a bit silly on him to say one thing and then do the opposite. It just shows his values and morals of what he said versus his actions.
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"It's very disappointing. But hey look, I have so many supportive friends around me, I have so many online friends as well, across a lot of countries around the world that are backing me and supporting me and that's all I need to keep going.
"I will never give up and I will never change who I am, I will always keep pushing for what I believe is right. At the end of the day, we've got a huge task to make this a safe space for everyone across the world.
Henderson joined Al-Ettifaq from Liverpool in last summer's transfer window (Francois Nel/Getty Images)"There's so many people we're forgetting who are actually struggling right now in those countries and can't say anything because if they say something, they're going to be in big trouble, like the death penalty. So it makes you very sad and it also makes me have a fire in my belly to speak up about this."
Cavallo also revealed that he has not heard from Henderson since the message when he came out. The 24-year-old added that he now feels as if the England star has turned his back on him.
"Not that I'm aware of, no, he hasn't reached out," Cavallo said. "I had the congratulations but he hasn't reached out ever since. It's a bit disappointing to see someone of such high-calibre, I respected and appreciated the message so much, turn the other way, it was very disappointing."
Cavallo has also urged other stars who position themselves as supporters of the LGBT+ community to start speaking up against homophobia.
"I think that's the whole point of an ally. Everyone wants to be your friend, everyone wants to be an ally, but when it comes to the times we need to speak up together, or need support, that's when we count on our allies," he added.
"It can be someone in your family going through this, what if that was you. You have to think of it like that. This is coming up to a level now where we're talking about life or death for a sport so it's quite an ugly topic.
"We've just got to keep pushing for the right things. That's why I find it so significant and important to use my platform in the way I can. I know the reach it can get and it's creating awareness and protection for all my fans and community around me."
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