Former Valencia target Divock Origi retires at 31 after Nottingham Forest stint | OneFootball

Divock Origi, once a leading Valencia target, has retired at 31. According to Superdeporte, the Belgian forward has called time on his career after a difficult recent spell.

He spent two seasons outside the elite, was dropped to Milan's reserves and his contract was terminated in December. He had not settled in Italy after being sent to Nottingham Forest for the second half of 2023/24, where he made 20 Premier League appearances without scoring.

Valencia’s pursuit dates back to summer 2018 under Marcelino Garcia Toral, with Pablo Longoria in the recruitment team. Then owned by Liverpool, Origi had spent that season on loan at Wolfsburg for a 6.5 million fee, scoring six in the Bundesliga.

Talks were held, but Liverpool kept their faith in him. In September 2018 his father, Mike Okoth Origi, said Valencia and Borussia Dortmund showed interest, yet neither matched Liverpool’s asking price and another loan was not an option, so he had to fight for his place.

Dortmund soon recruited compatriot Michy Batshuayi on loan from Chelsea. Batshuayi also joined Valencia on loan for the first half of 2018/19, scoring three before moving to Crystal Palace, where he struck six in 13.

In his retirement message, Origi reflected that he had lived his childhood dreams, won major trophies and thanked God, supporters, clubs, coaches and team-mates. He called his mission complete and said he was beginning a new path. He has not scored since February 2024.

Source: Superdeporte