Divock Origi has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31, as the former Liverpool star noted that his purpose has been fulfilled.
“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…”
A product of the Genk academy, Origi enjoyed huge success during his time at Liverpool.
Divock Origi during his playing days at Ac Milan. (Photo by Sportinfoto/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Origi joined Liverpool in the summer of 2014 from Lille, although he remained in France on loan for the 2014–15 season before arriving at Anfield the following year.
The Belgium forward scored 10 goals in his debut 2015–16 campaign, as he played under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers and later Jurgen Klopp.
The following season was more productive, Origi scored 11 goals as Liverpool secured a return to the Champions League.
After spending the 2017–18 season on loan at VfL Wolfsburg and starting the next campaign on the fringes of the squad, Origi’s Liverpool career took a new shift when he scored a late 96th-minute winner against Everton in December 2018.
He went on to play a defining role in Liverpool’s European success, scoring twice in the 4–0 semi-final second-leg victory over Barcelona and then netting the second goal in the 2–0 Champions League final win over Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid.
Across his Liverpool career, Origi made 175 appearances and scored 41 goals before leaving on a free transfer in 2022.
He helped Liverpool to complete a trophy haul that included the Premier League, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup, before also adding the FA Cup and League Cup during his time at the club.
Origi joined AC Milan after leaving Liverpool but things failed to work out. He spent his first season largely as a backup, scoring just two league goals in 27 appearances before returning to the Premier League on loan with Nottingham Forest.
His second spell in England proved difficult, as he failed to score in 20 Premier League appearances, with only a single goal coming in the FA Cup.
Upon his return to Milan, he was informed he would not be part of the first-team plans despite still having two years remaining on his contract.
He parted ways with the Serie A side in December and now set to begin a new adventure outside the pitch.
