Divock Origi has revealed the culture and history of AC Milan as a club played a major role in his decision to sign for the Italian giants this summer.
The Belgian striker ended his association with Liverpool at the end of last season and his move to Milan was officially announced earlier this afternoon, having put pen to paper on a four-year contract with the reigning Serie A champions.
Origi will go down as somewhat of an Anfield icon for a number of memorable contributions during his time with the Reds, which include scoring in the 2019 Champions League semi-final second leg versus Barcelona and subsequent final in Madrid and making a habit of bagging goals against Everton.
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Explaining the reasons behind his transfer to Stefano Pioli's side, Origi told AC Milan: "Being able to win is the biggest thing, as well as seeing the process of building a team, being able to win championships, what it takes to win and be able to perform in difficult moments and big moments. All these things led to me having more experience and 27 is a very nice age: you feel like your body is getting better and better.
"The first conversation I had on a club level (with director of football Frederic Massara and technical director Paolo Maldini), it was so nice to speak to them and see their vision and how the club is evolving. Playing here and being able to get that atmosphere at San Siro was always a special feeling. I saw the way the team played, the way the coach managed the team, the way the fans are, the history in the club: all these things are elements that led to me being able to come here and join the club."
No stranger to the San Siro, Origi visited his new home on three occasions last term as Jurgen Klopp's side faced both AC and Inter Milan on their way to the Champions League final. In one of only five starts for the club in 2021/22, the towering forward bagged a winning goal for the Reds against his future employers, AC Milan, and has recalled being taken aback by the aura of the iconic stadium in which he was performing.
"You could feel the history and how mythical it was to be able to play there," he said. "At the time for us [Liverpool], we played in a special stadium and you could see all the players looking and admiring. You could feel the football culture and it is the small details like the fans and the way they know the club. Those are things I really love - they really care a lot about the club."
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