Divock Origi Reflects on First World Cup Call-Up and Pride in Representing Belgium
Divock Origi, the 19-year-old Kenyan-born striker, has earned a surprise call-up to Marc Wilmots’s Belgian national team for the 2014 World Cup. After an impressive season with Lille, Origi is preparing for his debut on the world stage and has already completed his first training session with the Red Devils.
In an interview with Belgian media, Origi expressed his pride in being part of the national squad and shared his excitement about his integration into the team. “I’m very proud and above all very happy to be here. My integration is going very well. Eden (Hazard) and the others welcomed me well. It’s a group that gets along very well and is very easy to integrate into,” said the Lille forward. He also mentioned how he tries to learn every day by observing experienced players like Hazard and Romelu Lukaku. “The older players give me advice. The coach told me to take Van Buyten as an example? No, he told me not to do like Eden,” he added with a smile.
Origi, who has represented Belgium at various youth levels from U15 to U21, also addressed the interest from his country of origin, Kenya. “Kenya has wanted to call me up for two years. But I was born in Belgium, I grew up here. My choice was clear. It’s a source of pride to represent Belgium,” he stated, confirming his commitment to the Belgian national team.
As Origi prepares for his first World Cup, the young forward’s journey from youth football to the global stage is one to watch, with his talent and determination making him an exciting prospect for Belgium.
