'Corner taken quickly.....'; Liverpool cult hero Divock Origi announces surprise retirement

BRUSSELS: Former Belgium international footballer Divock Origi announced his retirement from the sport on Monday. Being just 31 now, Origi’s decision to hang up the boots might raise some eyebrows and may seem 'a little early’.

Origi started to grab attention during his time with French side Lille, but his career was defined at English club Liverpool. An anomaly of a player who seldom entered the spotlight, Origi ended up taking a cult hero status at the club, often rescuing the team at crucial junctures and never to forget the winning goal at Wanda Metropolitano and the incredible comeback on the European night at Anfield against Barcelona. A haloed figure at Liverpool and a favourite of the kops during his seven seasons at the club, Origi won the UEFA Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup with the club.

Despite being a prodigal talent, Origi's career was plagued by constant injuries.

Origi failed to reproduce his mesmeric career at Liverpool when he switched to Milan. Though he signed with Italian giants AC Milan, his career didn’t go on the expected lines. Milan terminated Origi’s contract in late 2025.

Origi’s message on social media:

“My purpose in the game is fulfilled. I lived out my childhood dreams, played on the biggest stages, and won the biggest trophies. Grateful to God for all of it.

To all my fans, the clubs, my teammates and my family: this will forever be ours. Thank you. The mission is complete. Now I step into my next calling. More of the journey to come.

Love, Divock Origi.”