Divock Origi put his trust in fate by deciding to stay at Liverpool

Divock Origi has spoken of the moment he put his trust in fate and took the decision that has changed the course of his career.

The Belgium international recently signed a long-term deal at Liverpool to cap what had been six dramatic months. He had the opportunity to leave Anfield in January but felt compelled to stick around and fight, even though Wolves were waiting to give him a platform to play.

Origi’s belief reaped spectacular rewards. He scored twice in the Champions League semi-final comeback against Barcelona then made sure of victory in the final when his left-foot strike ended Tottenham’s challenge once and for all.

He had the chance to leave in Liverpool but chose to stick around and fight for his spot

There was also another header at Newcastle that took Liverpool’s title challenge to the last day. Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, is adamant Origi is now in the physical shape of three years ago and the indications are that he will start the new season in the team.

It would complete a remarkable turnaround, as at this stage 12 months ago he had just returned from an unhappy loan spell in Wolfsburg and was being linked with a move to Valencia. Had Liverpool received a bid in the region of £20million, they would have sold him.

‘It was a gut feeling,’ said Origi. ‘For me I just sat down and I felt like I wanted to stay and help this team. I felt good, I just had to keep performing in training and I knew my chance would come. I felt like we could do something special.

‘I just had to block everything out on the outside and focus on the right things. In football you never know 100%, it could have gone another way as well but that’s the choice I made. It has definitely changed the direction of my career.

The Belgium striker scored the goal that clinched the Champions League for Liverpool

‘Winning the Champions League is a boy’s dream so it changes a lot in a player’s career. Again I am just focusing on the right things and that’s performing on the pitch. I know everything else comes from that.

‘I am trying to be as fit as possible and just perform. After my career I will be able to enjoy it to its fullest.’

During Klopp’s first season, 2015-16, Origi had forced his way into the position of first choice striker and scored a number of goals but a dreadful challenge from Everton defender Ramiro Funes Mori led to a serious ankle ligament injury.

Origi struggled at times to get to his peak but the one aspect not in question was his attitude. He understands his position in the squad and Klopp admires the way he goes about his work without any hint of complaint.

Jurgen Klopp admires the way the 24-year-old has gone about his work without complaint

‘I am not someone to make declarations that I am better than them or not,’ said Origi. ‘I feel positive, I feel good on the pitch and I am just trying to show it every time. Then I was in very good form, I finished last season very well and again in training I feel well.

‘It is on me to show it on the pitch. It might be a good season, it might be more difficult. These are things you have to deal with but I am ready for whatever, I have confidence in this team and myself.

‘I feel positive, I feel good, there is a high vibration going around in Liverpool and I think we need to use it in a good way. There might some difficult moments in the future, as there might be some good moments, I am just preparing for the best.’