Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Liverpool transfer news: Simon Mignolet reveals reason behind Anfield exit

The Belgian goalkeeper joined Club Brugge last summer after six years with the Reds

Jack Rathborn
Monday 18 November 2019 10:51 GMT
Comments
Klopp says Fabinho 'needed time' to adapt to Liverpool team

Simon Mignolet claims he had to leave Liverpool because the signing of Alisson meant it would be pointless to fight for his place.

The Belgian made just two appearances behind the Brazilian last term.

Mignolet accepted his situation would not change and moved on last summer to join Club Brugge six years after arriving at Anfield.

“If I could really fight for my place, I might have stayed,” Mignolet told Het Belang van Limburg.

“But if I had ended up in goal if Alisson picked up an injury, I would be allowed to push 10 shots out of the box.

“Then Alisson could immediately claim his place again, and even if he pushed the ball into his own goal, he would still stay [in the starting XI]. What sense did it make for me?”

And Mignolet has no regrets over his move, either, insisting there were no more opportunities left for him.

“No, because I knew that the opportunity existed,” he added. “I haven’t thought once: ‘S***, now Liverpool is in the Premier League race and I’m gone’.

Mignolet has no regrets over leaving Liverpool (Getty)

“Of course, I could have stayed with Liverpool to earn my money, challenge for the league title and the Champions League.

“However, as long as you are not on the starting XI yourself, a price feels different. So I would rather play in the starter at Club Brugge than grabbing the English title as a substitute at Liverpool.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in