JORDAN HENDERSON has become the most famous man in Amsterdam.
The England midfielder completed a free transfer to Ajax on Thursday following a six-month spell with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.
Following his arrival in the Dutch capital, Henderson’s Ajax shirt became the fastest-selling player shirt in the club’s history.
With the demand clearly high, the Eredivisie giants have since added more Henderson merchandise to the official club shop.
Fans can now purchase an array of products inspired by the ex-Liverpool star – including a towel and some bedsheets.
A standard Henderson shirt will usually cost £86 (€100) but Ajax have celebrated the midfielder’s arrival with a discount meaning they are now being sold for around £52 (€60).
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Ajax are also selling Henderson bedsheets for £47 (€54.95) and cushions for £20 (€22.95) each.
Fans can also purchase mugs with the player’s name and number on for £13 (€14.95) and even a towel for £28 (€32.95).
Many Ajax fans were thrilled following the 33-year-old’s arrival, with some even painting road signs to welcome him.
However, Dutch journalists have labelled him as a “pointless investment” for the club.
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De Telegraaf reporter Valentijn Driessen described Henderson as “no saviour” and a “panic buy”.
He wrote: “All signals are on red, but Ajax is just pushing hard and reaching deep into their pockets for midfielder Jordan Henderson.
“A case of buying for which the fallen Ajax has to write off about 25 million euros (£21.4m) in two and a half years. Panic buying can also be successful, but Henderson is past his peak after three years at Sunderland, twelve years at Liverpool and a half a year at Al-Ettifaq.
“Henderson, who succeeds two failed English signings (Calvin Bassey and Chuba Akpom) is an extremely expensive gamble.
“No matter how well regarded he is and seen a saviour in Amsterdam, Liverpool’s Henderson would never have chosen to play in the Eredivisie.”
Speaking at his first Ajax press conference on Friday, Henderson insisted that he left Al-Ettifaq purely for football reasons.
He said: “It was a very much a football decision. Of course I have to make the decision based on what’s best for me and my family as well.
“The decision to come here was a football decision. Like I said before it’s a huge opportunity for me personally. I cannot fault Ajax for the faith they have shown me and the opportunity they have given me to come to this great football club.
“I just want to get going. I am excited to be here. I want to get going, get training and get playing to show them what I can do.”
He also refused to criticise the Saudi Pro League, adding: “I think a lot of people would like me to sit here and criticise the Saudi League and everything that went along with that. But that’s certainly not the case and something I am not going to do.
“I have full respect for the league, for any fans of the club, for the people over there who really made me feel welcome. Unfortunately sometimes these things in life just don’t work out. In football and in life in general. I made a decision.
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“As soon as I knew this opportunity was there the decision was this was the best move for me and my family at this time. If anyone was offended or feel I have upset that’s on me. I apologise for that and it was never my intention.
“I just want to look forward now and concentrate on being the best player I can for Ajax.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
