Liverpool hero announces shock retirement at 31 with emotional statement | Football | Sport

Former Liverpool striker Divock Origi has announced his retirement from professional football. Origi agreed to join the Reds in the summer of 2014 from Lille, though he remained with the French club on loan for a further season. The Belgian international was limited to just 175 appearances during his spell at Anfield, of which 68 were starts.

But many of his 41 goals throughout that period were truly unforgettable, amongst them six derby strikes against Everton, a brace in the Champions League semi-final comeback against Barcelona in 2019 and a goal in the subsequent final against Tottenham.

Having joined AC Milan on a free transfer upon the expiry of his Liverpool contract in 2022, the forward endured a torrid spell at the San Siro, mustering only 36 senior appearances and netting twice before departing in December.

He also had spells at Wolfsburg and Nottingham Forest, and earned 32 caps for Belgium, scoring three times. Yet, despite being just 31 years old, he has chosen to hang up his boots.

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“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 adored by supporters on the Kop, and speaking following his final appearance at Anfield, he confessed that his spell at Liverpool had been an ‘honour’.

He said: “Honestly, I feel honoured. It was an honour to be able to play here in Anfield with team-mates, 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.”

When quizzed about achieving 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.”

Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp hailed Origi as a ‘Liverpool legend’ in the build-up to his farewell appearance at Anfield, remarking: “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.”