Belgium footballer, Divok Origi, has announced his retirement from football at 31, following a career which spanned through 14 years.
Origi penned an emotional statement to announce his retirement thanking colleagues, coaches and fans, expressing that the decision was hard, but time has come to bid farewell to on pitch involvement.
”My purpose in the game is fulfilled,” The erstwhile Liverpool player, on Monday, said, and added, ”The mission is complete and now I step into my next calling.”
When asked about the highlights of his career, the player who played 58 appearances in the past four years and 371 across five clubs continued, ”Three goals come to mind. Barcelona in the Champions League and the Everton derby in the 96th minute.
”Each one is iconic in its own way. The final probably represents the height of it all.”
Having scored 70 goals for Lille, Liverpool and Wolfsburg, as part of the club he played for, Origi was asked which of the coaches he bonded more with and replied, ”Klopp holds a special place for me.
”We shared special moments and won the biggest trophies together, but the gift was that he helped draw out who I truly am, off the pitch.
”The first thing he told me was that he believed in me and I was in his starting x1, and from day one he believed in me.”
The Belgian won more in his career with the German coach, winning the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Super Cup and the FIFA World Club Cup.”
He amassed 32 matches for his country and scored three goals.