Divock Origi has announced his retirement from professional football.
The former Liverpool striker confirmed today that he will be hanging up his boots at the age of 31.
“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.”
A product of the Genk youth academy, Origi agreed a move to the Reds in the summer of 2014 from Lille but remained with the French team on loan for another season.
Initially under Brendan Rodgers and then Jürgen Klopp, the Belgian scored 10 times during his debut campaign at Anfield in 2015-16, which was curtailed by injury.
He supplied 11 more goals in the next term to help Liverpool secure a return to Champions League football.
Origi spent 2017-18 out on loan at VfL Wolfsburg and was on the fringes for the Reds at the beginning of the season after.
But a memorable 96th-minute winner off the bench against Everton at Anfield in December 2018 was the catalyst for a fresh chapter.
He starred with two goals, including the decider, when Liverpool beat Barcelona 4-0 in their Champions League semi-final second leg to overturn a three-goal deficit.
And Origi then delivered the second, clinching finish as Klopp’s men beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in Madrid to lift the European Cup.
You have to accept cookies in order to view this content on our site.
There were 42 appearances and six goals – two more versus Everton – in a 2019-20 campaign that brought glory in the Premier League, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
A reliable and willing squad member, Origi remained on Merseyside until 2022 and added medals for the League Cup and FA Cup before saying goodbye.
His totals showed 175 games and 41 goals wearing the Liver bird.
Having departed on a free transfer that summer, Origi moved to AC Milan, with whom he parted company last December.
His time with I Rossoneri also saw him spend the 2023-24 season back in England via a loan at Nottingham Forest.
Origi represented Belgium at senior international level on 32 occasions and scored three goals.
He continued: “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.”
