Liverpool registered a 4-1 win over Genk in the Champions League group stage fixture on Wednesday.
The tie saw Reds striker Divock Origi face his former side and the Merseyside club’s Champions League hero came off the bench in the final quarter of the game for Roberto Firmino.
Origi’s father, Mike, also played for Genk and, along with his family and friends, he was in attendance at the stadium to watch the clash.
When the Belgium international came on the pitch, the home fans gave him a warm reception and after the tie, Divock admitted he had “goosebumps”. He said this while talking to Het Belang van Limburg.
“I played here with the youth team and was a ball boy when my father became champion with Genk. So a return, that is heavenly, a dream come true,” Divock also added.
Mike also heaped praise on Genk supporters. He said, “I would like to thank the Genk supporters for the very nice gesture.
“It really touched me to hear my son’s name echo through this stadium, the stadium where I had such a wonderful time. When I heard and saw all of that, I had to remember my own matches here.”
“I left Genk when I was 15, because I had to leave my comfort zone. But I have always remained a fan,” the Liverpool player said.
“Genk played really well in the first half, after the 0-2 we felt liberated and we also showed maturity.
“But after the match, I told the guys from Genk that they really did a great job. Although I am naturally delighted that we won.
“My father was also clearly happy with this special evening. He is not a man of many words, but his face said everything.”
In the build up to the midweek European fixture, the Belgian press interviewed the 24-year-old and asked if he fancies a return to the Jupiler Pro League side. However, Origi admitted it’s not in his agenda in the near future.
