Liverpool have announced the long-awaited signing of Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet on a long-term deal.
The 25-year-old, who is to become the first Belgian to represent the Reds, has impressed during his three-year spell on Wearside following his £2m move from home club Sint-Truiden in 2010.
Mignolet, who has earned 13 international caps, is renowned as one of Europe’s brightest goalkeeping talents, and Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers insisted the young stopper will be given every opportunity to prove himself at the Merseyside outfit.
"I am delighted that we have been able to sign one of the top goalkeepers in the Barclays Premier League," Rodgers told Liverpool’s official website.
"Simon will join a club that will give him an opportunity to demonstrate and improve his huge talent."
The signing casts doubt over Pepe Reina’s future at Anfield, with boyhood side Barcelona thought to be interesting in bringing the Spaniard back to the Nou Camp.
I'm looking forward to working with Pepe. Competition can only be a good thing, it can only bring the best out of you— Simon Mignolet
But Mignolet insisted the competition between him and Reina for Liverpool's number one spot will be positive for both players, and for the team as a whole.
"Competition can only be a good thing,” added the Belgian.
“To be competitive and to train as hard as you can, it can only bring the best out of you.
"Pepe is an experienced goalkeeper who has proven a lot over the years. I'm looking forward to working with him, the same as I am with Brad [Jones - substitute keeper] and the goalie coach.
"It's a challenge but that's what you want. You want to play in the big games, you want to play for a big club and to play with pressure.
"I'm very confident in myself and I can't wait to get the first clean sheet under my belt.
"I've never been a nervous person. I'm quite confident in my own abilities.”
Comments
Post a Comment