Liverpool forward Divock Origi has revealed that there were discussions for the Champions League-winning hero to depart the club back in the summer of 2018.
Origi, 24, has emerged a cult hero across Merseyside following a number of important goals for the club – including the winning strike against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League final in Madrid back in June.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Telegraph, Origi has spoken out regarding the talks that were held about the prospect of him leaving Liverpool.
MADRID, SPAIN – JUNE 01: Divock Origi of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on June 01, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Despite scoring some of the biggest goals in the club’s illustrious 127-year history, Origi is still yet to establish himself as a regular starter in Jurgen Klopp’s team following his arrival at the club in 2014.
The former Lile star’s journey has seen so many ups and downs it would be considered fiction if it were presented to a Hollywood filmmaker.
Following his incredible Anfield career Origi has spoken out about how his Liverpool career has not always been plain sailing.
“For me it is always about evolving and where that progression ends we don’t really know,” Origi told the Telegraph.
“I worked off my gut feeling and my gut feeling was to stay. When I make a decision, I just go with it. If I start doubting something, it is not good.
“We had discussions with the club and obviously there were some other talks, internally with the management. But to grow my career, I knew what I needed to do. I just had to go back to that feeling. It was generally just me making the decision.
“I do know that I’m very ambitious, but at the same time I’m someone who puts the team first.”
MADRID, SPAIN – JUNE 01: Divock Origi of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on June 01, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
With nearly six years at Anfield – amid numerous loan spells – Origi has played in 119 matches for Liverpool scoring 33 goals whilst registering 10 assists.
The Belgium international has seen more game time this season featuring in 20 matches this campaign – scoring five goals.
Origi has been regarded as somewhat of a ‘super-sub’ following some of his extraordinary cameo goals. However, the former Wolfsburg striker has an impressive record this season for Liverpool during the matches he’s started.
The Belgian has three goals in three starts under Klopp this season – including a magnificent brace against Merseyside rivals Everton.
Origi is one game away from becoming a world champion for Liverpool with Klopp’s team just a day away from their FIFA World Cup final against Flamengo on Saturday. This will be Origi’s fourth competitive final for the European champions although he himself has never started in one.