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Divock Origi was always destined to be involved in Liverpool's most high-profile European match in years.

But had Manchester United got their way, the Belgian would be preparing to step out in opposition to the Reds on Thursday night for the first leg of the blockbusting Europa League round of 16 tie.

As a 15-year-old, Origi was targeted by United to further swell their burgeoning youth ranks.

For most teenagers, it would be an offer too good to refuse. Origi, though, didn't have the usual upbringing of most teenagers.

A distant relative of outgoing US President Barack Obama – both are of Luo ethnicity – the striker is the son of Mike, a former Kenya international forward who became one of the first players from the country to make a significant impact in Europe when moving to Belgium in 1992.

Yet when United came calling for Origi – then approaching the end of almost nine years in the youth ranks of Belgian side Genk – there would be no parental instruction.

“I came back from school and my father and mother sat down and I saw them discussing and I knew they had a way that they wanted things to go but they told me I could choose,” recalls the 20-year-old.

“For a parents to say this to a child at 15... I had a day of thinking and for me the most logical option was Lille. It was a good choice.

“I think it was just the decision of my heart. I saw Eden Hazard come through and these other players there like Gervinho and Joe Cole. I thought I’d have the chance to go through there.

“I didn’t have anything against Manchester United or any team. My dream was to play in the Premier League one day but my heart said that I had to go through at Lille.”

'Liverpool were very keen - and my choice was made'

If United weren't in Origi's heart, then Liverpool certainly were when they made an approach for the Lille forward in the summer of 2014.

Jurgen Klopp's Borussia Dortmund were among several other clubs seeking the player's services, but Origi says: “To be honest, I knew Dortmund were interested but I was more focused on Liverpool at the time as they were very keen on having me and my choice was made.

“As a club I saw that it is a very ambitious club, a warm club and more like a family. I learned about the values of the club – it likes to fight for what they want and believe in.

(Image: 2016 Liverpool FC)

“I am at the right place, I just hope everything goes okay and I have the right mentality.

“I try to be as normal as I can. My dad told me that you have to respect yourself and give everything on the pitch but off the pitch it is very important to keep your values.

“I am a religious person so that helps me and those are things that are very important because in this type of environment you can lose your head very quickly.”

'Going back to Lille wasn't easy - when you sign for Liverpool, you want to play for them'

Nevertheless, Origi – who cites former Brazil international Ronaldo and Thierry Henry as his idols – admits the whirlwind events of two years ago left him in a daze.

He shot to global prominence aged 19 when he came off the bench to score Belgium's late winner in their World Cup match against Russia in the Maracana, shortly before his move to Liverpool was confirmed and he was loaned back to Lille for a season.

“Things went so quickly from being a sub in Lille to being a regular to scoring in the World Cup to signing for Liverpool,” he says. “I had some ups and downs but I have learned a lot and it is down to my family and my father.

“Going back to Lille wasn’t easy because when you sign for a club (Liverpool) you want to play for them.

“So I learnt a lot of things. You never know what would have happened if I signed here at Liverpool and played immediately, but I never regret and it made me stronger and the player I am today and for the future.”

'The manager gives me chances'

While signed by Brendan Rodgers, it is since Klopp's arrival that Origi has flourished, netting a hat-trick in the Capital One Cup win at Southampton in December and posting arguably his best performance when leading the line in the 3-0 win over Manchester City last Wednesday.

“I think he believes in the group in general,” says Origi. “He gives me chances and I try to maximise every time I get and he tries to help me every way he can.

“He has a lot of experience working with young players and I try to use that to improve also.”

Origi will hope his recent form is enough to stay ahead of Daniel Sturridge and Christian Benteke in the pecking order for Sunday's Premier League trip to Crystal Palace, before attention focuses on the visit of United on Thursday.

“It is always special to play United,” says the striker, who made his Reds debut in the 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford in September.

“I am very motivated and excited for this game and this tournament as I believe we can go far. We are ready for the fight.”