AC Milan's Belgian central forward Divock Origi, has signed with AC Milan on a deal valid until June 2026. The official announcement and deposition of the contract finally took place today. An interview with the player has been just released. Here are the words of the former Liverpool star:
"My arriving here felt at home. Going into a historically big club also, so for me it's good to get a sense of the culture, sense of the people and the way things are going and until now, everything has been amazing."
He added:
"I like football, I am a fan of football especially seeing the buzz that was going at Milano, we played against AC Milan in the (last) season and you could feel the excitement. Up until the last game (in Scudetto), it was a race and you could feel the energy that came loose after so many years. So much quality and passion in the city and in the team."
Origi continued:
"I feel like I have a lot to give, a lot of passion and joy, experience and hopefully goals and assists. And hopefully being able to create the feeling of an atmosphere with the teammates and build with the team and then go out and compete because a team like AC Milan needs to always be up there. I enjoy these types of challenges and I am excited for that."
On the importance of winning:
"Being able to win, building a team, the process of that, winning a championship and what it takes to win and be able to perform: having to be consistent during the season: big moments, difficult moments, all these things led to me having more experience. It's a nice age at 27, you feel like your body is getting better and better."
On the Serie A league and AC Milan:
"The Serie A is one of the best leagues in the world. I know that there was a lot of competition for the number one spot last season. It's a place where people live for football, they love football, people who know the club: 19 leagues, 7 Champions Leagues, it's unbelievable and history is immense. Looking back at the time, iconic players, I can name so many, so being able to be here and be part of the journey, I am super grateful I am excited."
On AC Milan's icon Van Basten:
"I am a student of the game. I love the game of football. I was watching something about Van Basten, his story, something on YouTube, looking at his time here, the goals he scored. Then, even though it (his stay at Milan) wasn't long, but looking at his impact, and other strikers like Shevchenko or Inzaghi, George Weah... It's the history... And I'm not even naming half of them, so there are many iconic players and I love this. Because, you come into a rich culture and you can always pick and learn from everyone and observe. So now I can be here and bring my own presence into the team and hopefully I can help the team a lot in continuing to build and have success."
On talking with Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara:
"The first conversation on the club level with Ricky Massara and Paolo Maldini. It was so nice for me to speak to them and see how the club is evolving, and playing here and also being able to get the atmosphere, the San Siro. I saw the team, the way the team plays, the way the coach manages the team. The fans, the history of the club, AC Milan are a huge club. These are elements that led to me to come here."
Origi on Alexis Saelemaekers:
"I asked Alex some questions about the club and obviously he spoke very well about the club. He loves it here, I could tell. I spoke with the management, the coach and I came here to get the feeling of how it is. Seeing this, it made me love the club."
On the San Siro:
"My first impression was the stadium. You could feel the history and how mythical it was to be able to play there even at the time for us (Liverpool) we play at a special stadium. But, coming there, you can see the players looking and admiring and you can feel the fooball culture. It's more about the details, the fans, and the way they know the club, their energy is felt. They care a lot, it spoke to me. I know the style of football (of Milan): very energetic, very attacking, a lot of quality, I love it."
Origi added:
"When I was 15, I went from Belgium to France and I didn't speak any French so that was my first adaptation. Same with here, I enjoy being able to speak different languages and experiencing different cultures, I love traveling. So, being a student of the game, a student of the culture, enjoying the time here, knowing more experiences will help me grow more as a man and also give more."
On his focus:
"My focus now is to be able to prepare as well as possible, come to the team, know the teammates, being able to get better every day. That's one of the goals, to be able to go out there and perform. But for sure my focus is now is AC Milan and integrating as quick as possible and tribute as much as possible to the club."
