Dean Henderson defends former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard following his move to Nottingham Forest.
Former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard has been defended by Dean Henderson following move to Nottingham Forest.
Lingard will recieve the sum of £200,000-a-week but that hasn’t sat well with some Hammers fans, but Henderson insists the midfielder’s reasons for joining Forest were not motivated by money.
Henderson, who also join Nottingham Forest on loan from United stated that he kept convincing the midfielder to join him at the club.
“Jesse’s buzzing like myself,” Henderson told talkSPORT. “I was messaging him every day, pushing it over the line asking him to come and join me.”
He added that Lingard believes in the project of the newly promoted side and that he will always have the support of the club, players, fans and manager.
“He believes in the project and it’s a win-win for every party. I think it’s genius business, he brings quality to the squad and I can’t wait for him to get back flying and feel loved again.
“He’ll feel loved here. The boys will back him, the manager will back him and the fans will get behind him and he’ll feel loved. He’ll be excited to get going again.
“For a manager to put his arm around you and tell you he’s not going to let you down and stuff like that goes a long way. It’s no secret, they’re the managers that get the best out of you.
“He had a tough season last year as well, people standing in his way not letting him go and play football and like it was for myself it’s tough for him to accept.
“He wanted to go and play football this year and he’s got that reward and I look forward to seeing him in action.”
Henderson also talked about West Ham desire for the signing of Lingard as he questioned the intention of the Hammers towards the midfielder.
“Obviously he built up a good rapport with the West Ham fans so for them to batter him I’m not sure was great,” Henderson added.
“West Ham were there but did they really, really want him? I’m not so sure.
“You’ve just got to take it with a pinch of salt. I did the best thing, I came off social media and it’s been great for me. I love life and don’t worry about everything, I don’t read any of the rubbish out there.
“I know Jesse’s active on it, maybe that’s detrimental for him but I don’t think he really cares. He’s a personality and is so confident in himself and has got so much ability and I just hope he puts in the performances I know he can for Forest.”
