Origi turned down Monaco to remain at Norway’s Lillestrom

Harambee stars' Arnold Origi during their Africa Cup of Nation Qualifier match against Zambia at Nyayo stadium on Sep.6 2015.[PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Harambee Stars first-choice goalkeeper Arnold Origi has said he had to turn down an offer to join French Ligue One side Monaco to extend his stay at Norwegian top side Lillestrom.

Origi was handed a three-year extension to his contract last week that will keep him at the Norwegian side until 2018.

“I am very excited to sign a new deal at Lillestrom. There were other offers elsewhere, but I opted to stay here. Monaco wanted my services but I declined since they wanted me to be the second-choice goalkeeper,” Origi told Feverpitch on phone from Norway.

Had he accepted to join Monaco, Origi would have played second fiddle to Flavio Roma at the French club.

Monaco was bought by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev in 2011, who has managed to make it one of the biggest spenders in world football.

Origi said he feels good to have extended his stay at the club he joined in 2013 and where he has struggled to become the first-choice goalkeeper.

“It has not been easy to make it to the top but I am glad that finally my efforts are being appreciated and it can only mean I was doing something right,” he added.

Asked whether he has opted to retire at Lillestrom, Origi said: “Things can change. The fact that I have signed a three-year contract does not mean I will retire here. If a good offer comes in future I will look at it together with my club.”

The 30-year-old goalkeeper joined Lillestorm from Ull/Kisa.