Liverpool summer signing Divock Origi says manager Brendan Rodgers hopes to see him develop into one of the world’s best players.
The 19-year-old, who shot to prominence at the World Cup with Belgium, made a £10million switch to Anfield earlier this summer but was immediately loaned back to Ligue 1 as part of the deal.
Liverpool were reported to have beaten the likes of Tottenham, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid to Origi’s signature, and were hopeful of him linking up with the squad immediately.
Instead, Lille were keen to get another season out of the young striker and he will concentrate his efforts with them for the new campaign after a whirlwind couple of months.
Although he is staying focused on the season ahead with Lille, Origi admitted to being thrilled by his brief experiences at Liverpool and revealed that Rodgers has high hopes for his career.
"He (Rodgers) wants me to become one of the best players in the world," Origi told L'Equipe.
"What I have experienced so far is amazing. Liverpool wanted me immediately but I still have to work.
"I have been welcomed in the Belgium team. I became friends with Adnan Januzaj.
"The World Cup was amazing for me with that goal scored at the Maracana (against Russia).
"And then Liverpool, when I joined Liverpool I was impressed.
"Steven Gerrard told me it was a shame I could not be here immediately and they were expecting me with patience. I also met Daniel Sturridge – that was nice."
Origi also admitted his surprise at Liverpool’s extensive knowledge of his career to date.
"Liverpool followed me for a long time," he said.
"When I was in the offices, they showed me my caps when I was under 15. Everyone knows me, I could not believe it."
The Belgium international scored six times in 35 appearances for Lille last season, helping them secure a place in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League with a third-place finish.
He said: "Anyway, I am at Lille and only that matters for now. Last season I scored in my very first match in Le Championnat before leaving the first team a bit later, which pushed me to work harder.
"I want to play a lot of matches, adapt more to the team and discover the European Cup."
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