Origi recalls how Milan tenure turned sour: “We weren’t on the same page”

By: Isak Möller

Divock Origi has discussed what went wrong during his time at AC Milan, from the injuries to the Rossoneri’s decision to exclude him.

Origi joined Milan after the Scudetto season, i.e. the summer of 2022, and the idea was that he would be able to alternate with Olivier Giroud. However, a couple of injuries made his start difficult and it only went downhill from there.

Despite making 36 appearances in his first season, he got just two goals and was thus sent out on loan for the next season, joining Nottingham Forest. One goal and one assist later, he returned to Milan, where it was quickly decided that he was no longer part of the project.

Instead of taking the opportunity to continue his career elsewhere, Origi decided to stay and train on his own. His hefty salary of €4m net (€5.24m gross) frustrated Milan and in December 2025, they finally got the striker to terminate his contract six months earlier than its expiration.

In short, it was a costly deal for Milan and for Origi, the move effectively killed his career. Speaking to the Belgian outlet HLN.be, as cited by MilanPress, the former striker explained what happened and why he then decided to retire (in the summer of 2026).

On joining Milan…

“At 27, my time at Liverpool was over. Sometimes you need to step out of your comfort zone and take on a new challenge. It’s the only way to grow as a person. AC Milan was a very interesting project.

“Paolo Maldini signed me and I felt he truly believed in me. It’s just that I got injured. Usually, I work on my preparation with my personal trainer, but this time it didn’t work. I lost much of my basic fitness; it was difficult.”

On how Milan treated him…

“I don’t take it personally. It was a professional decision. Was I happy about it? Obviously not. But can I understand it? Yes. I was left out of the squad for a while and wasn’t allowed to train with the first team.

“There was the option of joining the youth team. I can’t say too much about some things for contractual reasons… Let’s just say we weren’t on the same page about it. My experience helped me keep a clear head.

“I was convinced that if you have the right intentions, everything will work out for the best in the end.”

On his retirement…

” I had options in football, but for me it was also a time when I was starting to think about my future away from the sport. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always dedicated myself body and soul to football. It was my great passion, ” he stated.