Liverpool striker Divock Origi responds to Juventus' rumoured interest

Liverpool striker Divock Origi has put reports that linked him with a move to Juventus in January to bed by confirming it was just a "rumour." The Belgium international stressed that he remains focused with the Merseyside club and his national team.

The 21-year-old was signed by the former Reds manager, Brendan Rodgers, from Lille in 2014 and was sent back on loan to his former club. Since returning to Anfield last summer, Origi bagged 10 goals from 33 appearances in the 2015/16 campaign.

However, in the current campaign he has started only twice, which came during Liverpool's EFL Cup victories over Burton Albion and Derby County. The former Lille man was on the scoresheet in both these fixtures. In addition to this, Origi came on from the bench on five occasions in the Premier League.

According to Italian publication Calciomercato via talkSPORT, lack of playing time at Anfield saw Juventus consider an option to secure the striker's services in January. However, Origi has played down those links.

"I've not heard it. It's a rumour, as there are many. No, I concentrate fully on Liverpool and the Belgium national team," Origi told Belgium publication HLN, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo.

Despite starting only twice in this season, Origi says Jurgen Klopp has advised him to stay calm. Liverpool have suffered only one defeat in all competitions and the attacker has backed his manager's decision to continue with the winning side for the league fixtures.

"I've started both matches of the League Cup, and I scored in both games, Liverpool have won almost every game," the attacker explained.

"We lost against Burnley and drew against Tottenham. A manager never changes his winning team. It does not matter to me. Klopp believes in me and says I have to be patient."

"He asked me to stay calm, which is not easy for a footballer. I want to play and be the decisive player than I was last season. I scored 10 goals in no time. Everything can turn quickly in football."