Divock Origi wrote his name into the Anfield history books when he scored for Liverpool in the 2019 Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur
Divock Origi with the European Cup
Former Liverpool forward Divock Origi has announced his retirement from professional football. Origi agreed to move to the Reds in the summer of 2014 from Lille but remained with the French team on loan for another season.
But the Belgium international was restricted to just 175 appearances during his time at Anfield – of which he only made 68 starts. However, many of his 41 goals during that time were memorable, including six derby strikes against Everton, a brace in the Champions League semi-final comeback against Barcelona in 2019 and the clinching goal in the subsequent final against Tottenham Hotspur.
Joining AC Milan on a free transfer at the end of his Liverpool contract in 2022, the striker endured a difficult time at the San Siro, making only 36 senior appearances and scoring twice before leaving in December.
He also had stints with Wolfsburg and Nottingham Forest, and earned 32 caps for Belgium, scoring three goals. But even though he is just 31, he has decided to call time on his career.
“My purpose in the game as a player is fulfilled,” Origi wrote on social media. “I lived out my childhood dreams to play on the biggest stages and win the biggest trophies. I am grateful to God for all of it.
“To my fans across the world who helped me shine: every iconic moment, every goal, every piece of history we made together will forever be ours.
“To every club, and all the coaches and teammates who stood beside me, thank you. You shaped me in ways that go far beyond the pitch.
“Representing Belgium, my nation, while carrying Kenya, my roots, was a joy. And to my family and those closest to me… without you, I am not who I am today. I am forever grateful.
“The mission is complete. Now I step into my next calling. More of the journey to come… With love, Divock Origi.”
Origi was loved by Reds supporters and speaking after his final match at Anfield he admitted his time at Liverpool has been an ‘honour’.
He said: “Honestly, I feel honoured. It was an honour to be able to play here in Anfield with teammates, with staff [and] with the fans – it’s been an honour.
“You have to experience Liverpool. Before I came here, they told me it’s a special club and once you sign here, you experience it. I’ve been able to see us winning so much – it goes beyond words. It’s been an honour.”
Asked about earning legendary status at Liverpool, he added: “Even that is something you take with you and you’re grateful for.
“I know that I’ll come and watch games, for sure. I will follow the club, but it’s forever in my heart – it has a special place in my heart. I just wish that the club continues to grow and keep being Liverpool as it is. For sure, I’ll be back.”
While Jurgen Klopp described Origi as a ‘Liverpool legend’ ahead of his final match at Anfield, saying: “We can only do that with the few we know it definitely.
“I think that is only Div. So, yes, I expect Div to get a special reception, or farewell, or whatever. He is, and will be for me, forever a Liverpool legend [and] one of the most important players I ever had.
“That sounds completely strange with the amount of games he had, but it is, and was, a pure joy to work together with him.
“So, it’s not over yet just because it’s now the last Premier League game and, yes, he deserves all good thoughts we can generate somehow for his future and wherever he will go he will be successful, 100%.
“[He’s] an outstanding player, [an] outstanding boy. Everybody in the team loves him because he was just a relaxed guy and a really lovable guy.
“So, yeah, it will be a harsh moment when he actually leaves. For us, it will not be now, but whenever it will be, it will be hard because since I’m here, Div is here.
“I remember so many things when I think about Div that’s incredible; important goals, injuries… bad injuries, and all these kinds of things – ups and downs. He is a Liverpool legend, no doubt.”
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