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Kenyan-born footballer Arnold Origi has come out to explain why he relinquished his Kenyan citizenship in 2017, effectively losing his spot in the national side—Harambee Stars.
Origi, who plays as a goalkeeper, acquired Norwegian citizenship, and given that the European nation did not provide for dual nationality at the time, he could no longer be allowed to represent Kenya at the international level.
In a recent interview with KTN News, Origi who currently plays for Finnish football club HIFK Fotboll said Kenyan fans branded him a traitor and unpatriotic after making the move.
But why did he switch his nationality and end his international career at a time when he was the number one goalkeeper for the national football team?
He explained: “There are more possibilities. Having a European Passport puts you in the market to access different football markets which I could not access with my Kenyan citizenship alone.”
He added: “After the announcement was made, many people called me a traitor a ‘Judas’ but I was only doing it for my career in football.”
During the interview, the 36-year-old said he is ready to rejoin Harambee Stars if called up after Norway passed new regulations early this year allowing for dual nationality.
“I used to be the Harambee Stars goalkeeper because I was the best and I am looking forward to fighting for that spot once again. If the coach thinks I’m good enough to play for the national team, I’m available and eligible,” he noted.
Arnold is a cousin to Liverpool striker Divock Origi, who represents Belgium at the international level.
Comments
Agreed.we are live For God,For Family & For country (in that order!). Everything Else in life is vanity!
Country is a man-made entity that has no relevance except to divide and rule, replace humanity for country
At 36 years, he should be looking at retirement in football, not to rejoin Harambe Stars. Stars do not need grandfathers as goalkeepers.
So what? Don’t be a hater just coz you feel too old and expired! 36 is the new 26! Let the guy enjoy what he does best.
GG, football is different. 36 years you are an old geezer. However, for professional courses like medicine, it's young.
Not for goal keeper. Ignorance of soccer is not an excuse
Old and expired. I like that!
Mr.Origi,you did the right thing to look for opportunities that would first secure you and your family, to the best of your ability.That does not mean that you are unpatriotic. Hey Iam sure we all came from somewhere mobility is legal,and enshrined in your human rights.Any Kenyan can change their natinality to whatever country allows him,or her to.We are becoming aglobal village if not there yet.
I renounced my citizenship with no promises from my host country, wacha Origi aliambiliwa soccer.
I do not blame him at all..did exactly the same thing....actually just like wine. GKs get better with age!
He he he, GK's get better with age. I didn't know about that.
I don't blame him at all. What are the benefits of Kenyan citizenship when the passport itself can't take you to many countries? Kenya would suck for him with his talent. Had he stayed in Kenya he would be more miserable, that doesn't mean that other countries are less miserable but chances are he would be in Kenya