It’s official: Liverpool announce Simon Mignolet has signed a new deal

Posted Tuesday, January 19, 2016 by squawka.com

Liverpool have confirmed that Simon Mignolet has signed a new contract with the club today and in turn committed his "long-term future" at the club.

It’s official: Liverpool announce Simon Mignolet has signed a new deal

The 27-year-old moved to Merseyside in the summer of 2013 and instantly became a hero as he saved a late penalty on the opening day of the season against Stoke City.

However, since his move from Sunderland to Anfield the Belgium international has also been at fault for a number of goals and that has often left supporters unsure over whether he fits the criteria needed at the club.

That had led to speculation that Jurgen Klopp was not a big fan of Mignolet and that he intended to replace the shot-stopper.

However, it seems it is quite the opposite and Mignolet has instead been rewarded with a new deal, although it has not been specified how long the new extension is.

When penning the deal, Mignolet told the club's official website: "I'm very pleased that I can be at Anfield and a part of Liverpool for a long future. I'm happy to commit my future to LFC.

"I know signing a new contract comes with new responsibility. I'm getting older as well and coming into the years where people would say those are the years a ‘keeper is at his best.

"I know with a long-term contract, you get more responsibility - and I want to take up that role because I'm the sort of character that wants to be a leader, wants to speak in the dressing room and wants to help the defence.

"I'll try to work hard together with the goalkeeping coach and staff here, who are behind me and have given their confidence with a new contract.

"I would like to thank them for that - but you can't really do that with words, you have to do that with performances on the pitch. And that's what I'll try to show."

Mignolet, who has won 17 caps for his country and is usually the No.2 shot-stopper behind Thibaut Courtois on the international scene, has come under severe scrutiny this season.

The goalkeeper was criticised for his efforts on Sunday - despite not having much to do against Manchester United - after David De Gea down the other end prevented his side from losing the match.