Liverpool's £13m Summer signing could line up against his former club Sunderland this afternoon. If he does get the nod, Henderson admits there can be no room for sentiment during the game.
"I was away with England U21s when the fixtures came out and I remember a few texts were flying round when we found out who the first game was," the midfielder told the club's official website.
"At the end of the day it's just another game and it had to come around some time, so why not the first game?
"It will seem a little bit strange to play against them but they are a totally different side, with only one or two of the lads involved from when I was there.
"I've just got to treat it as a normal game. I've moved on now and I'm a Liverpool player and hopefully Liverpool will get the right result.
"You want to play in every game and I'm no different because I want to play for Liverpool as much as I can, so hopefully I will get the nod on Saturday and I am looking forward to it.
"The Sunderland squad looks really strong and they have signed some good experienced players and knowing the manager and the staff, there's a good character amongst them. I'm sure they will do well this season.
"I've got a lot of good memories from my time at Sunderland. I started there at the age of seven and it was a big part of my life.
"Every time I put on that Sunderland shirt the fans were brilliant to me. I've got a lot of friends there, from the players, through to the staff, the manager and the Chairman who were great to me.
"I've got a lot of good memories from Sunderland and I would like to thank them all for that, but I'm a Liverpool player now and I just want to carry on the work I was doing there and keep progressing.
"I just want to do well for this club and repay the faith they have shown in me by bringing me here, and keep getting better and improving."