• Premier League

Loan spell is rite of passage - Origi

ESPN staff
August 26, 2014
Divock Origi signed a six-year contract with Liverpool before returning to former club Lille on loan © Getty Images
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New Liverpool signing Divock Origi says he hopes to continue improving this season on loan at Lille before making his full move to Anfield.

After being a surprise selection in Belgium's World Cup squad, Origi, 19, signed a six-year contract with the Premier League club this summer but immediately rejoined Lille on a season-long loan.

The striker told French newspaper Le Parisien the experience is all part of the steep learning curve he intends to follow before arriving at Anfield for good next summer.

"It's an honour to have signed for such a big club," said Origi, who has made just 14 starts in 43 French top-flight appearances. "The Premier League suits me best. And Liverpool proposed me a real sporting project.

"I didn't hesitate. I made the choice to continue with Lille for a year because I still have work to do. This season will be very important for my personal development.

"I want to show more of what I can do on the pitch, and to take on more responsibility. I think that's a rite of passage you have to undergo before you join a big club. That's a real challenge for this season."

Origi will join Salomon Kalou in attempting to help the Ligue 1 club overturn their 1-0 Champions League playoff first-leg deficit at Porto this evening.

He is one of nine signings that Brendan Rodgers has made this summer, with former AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli the latest Anfield recruit after joining in a £16 million deal on Monday.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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