Mignolet: I will always treasure my time with Liverpool

Simon Mignolet has spoken about the pride he had in representing Liverpool Football Club.

While the goalkeeper was a somewhat maligned figure by fans and critics, inside the four walls of Melwood, he was unanimously admired by the manager and teammates alike.

In a wide ranging interview with the Official site, the veteran who made over 200 appearances over six seasons, admitted there had been some difficult moments in his time at the Reds, but the good times are what he will remember with true happiness.

"Spending six years here, I wouldn’t have thought that was going to be the case when I started. So I’m happy about that, it’s been a great ride, with ups and downs as in any career, but I’ll only treasure the great memories and there are plenty of them.

"Obviously winning the Champions League, ranks as the highest. 

"That is why you come to Liverpool, to win trophies, so even though I didn’t feature I felt part of the team and I think the squad recognised as well my importance there in trying to push the team on to win that medal. 

"To do that was the best but there were other great moments also.

Mignolet said the opportunity to be a Number one keeper again was a key reason why he signed for Club Brugge.

"Well over the last few years now I always thought and said that I want to be playing again, that I want to be back on the pitch. 

"They were the team that wanted me the most, that pushed the most to come and get me. 

"Like yesterday, I played the game and although it was a Champions League qualifier vs first leg(vs Dynamo Kiev) and you can’t really say it’s already won, I was on the pitch and kept a clean sheet. 

"We won 1-0 and the feeling afterwards, that’s what I wanted again. 

" That’s why we are football players, to have that feeling again [and] to be not only important in the dressing room and being professional and pushing the lads on - I wanted to be important again on the pitch and that’s the opportunity I’ve got now, and that’s why I grasped it with my two hands.

While the Belgian has departed the Reds, the club will not be too far from his mind.

" I’ve always done that with my old teams. Sunderland and Sint-Truiden as well, I still follow the results on a weekly basis.

"I just have a look and see how they did, what the score was, and the Premier League I will always follow and will give a special vibe to my ex-teammates.

The 31 year-old also believes that this squad has what it takes to pick up plenty more silverware in the seasons ahead.

" I think the experience of winning a trophy can only push them forward, make them even more hungry to win the next one and be eager to win the next one.

"With the quality inside this dressing room, I don’t think you have to be afraid. You have to challenge for every single thing – Premier League, League Cup, FA Cup and, of course, in Europe – and I’m sure they will do that."

Finally, Mignolet spoke about what his lasting memory will be of the club and the impact that the fans have.

"It's a big family, It’s a big club in the world, the biggest thing that always struck me the most is when you go abroad and see how the club is being followed. 

"Not only with the performances on the pitch but also the connection around it, the support it gets, the following it gets. I saw that again in America when I was there and that’s really special.

" To the fans I say, just stay who you are, basically! It’s [the message is] fairly easy. 

"I think if they can continue the support that they do at this moment in time and how they have been over the last few years then I’m sure more trophies will follow and the team will only perform better because of that."

Thanks Mig for your service and good luck at your new club.