Former Liverpool star Simon Mignolet has won a prestigious award in his home country.
The ex-Reds goalkeeper spent six years at Anfield from 2013-19, after signing from Sunderland. He was often Liverpool’s first choice ‘keeper for several years, until the arrival of Alisson Becker in 2018.
Liverpool agreed a deal worth up to €9m (£7.9m) in August 2019, forcing the club to move for then-free agent Adrian. Since then, Mignolet has become a star player in his homeland.
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His performances this season have helped Brugge reach the last-16 stage of the Champions League. In doing so, the Belgian club knocked out Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen.
On Wednesday night, the Gouden Schoen, or Golden Shoe, award was handed out which goes to the best player in all of Belgium. Mignolet was the recipient of the honour, making him the first goalkeeper to receive the award since Michel Preud’homme in 1989.
The morning after receiving the award, Mignolet spoke about the pride he felt. The former Liverpool goalkeeper also explained how he was awakened by his son, Lex, and what his plans are for the rest of his career.
“We didn't get home until half past three last night and Lex was already at my bedside at seven o'clock,” said Mignolet in a press conference on Thursday.
“We are happy to include that, you should enjoy such moments. He also immediately saw the trophy this morning, so that's nice to wake up to.”
“I have a contract until 2026 and as long as I can after that, I will continue. It's only my body that will decide if I stop.
“The marriage between me and Club Brugge has been successful so far. I am very happy with the choice I made.”
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