Mignolet: I'm content with Cats

Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has moved to quell speculation that he could leave Sunderland in a bid to regain his place as Belgium's number one.

Last Updated: 27/02/13 at 15:13 Post Comment   

Mignolet: Happy at Sunderland

Mignolet: Happy at Sunderland

Comments from his agent Guy Vandermissen to the Belgian media suggested that the 24-year may have to consider his future on Wearside after he fell behind Thibaut Courtois in the pecking order.

However, Mignolet was quick to issue reassurances on Wednesday afternoon.

Mignolet told the Black Cats' official website: "I felt I wanted to communicate with the club's fans following the media reaction to comments made by my representative, which I feel were taken out of context and not a true reflection.

"Of course, my ambition is to regain the number one spot with my national team, but I feel I can do that with Sunderland.

"I was playing as Belgium's number one a year ago and hopefully that can be the case in the future.

"I am happy at Sunderland - a club I am proud to represent. I will continue focusing on my football, starting with Saturday's game against Fulham."

Mignolet made his move after Vandermissen suggested he may need to be playing his football with a higher profile club if he was to depose Chelsea's Courtois, who is currently on loan at Atletico Madrid.

He told Belgian broadcaster ATVs: "Our ambition is for Simon to play somewhere that he can engage in competition with Thibaut Courtois for the place in goal for Belgium.

"Courtois is fortunate that he is playing for a team that has been doing well lately."

The news will come as a relief to manager Martin O'Neill, who has seen Mignolet make the keeper's spot at the Stadium of Light his own.

Keiren Westwood, who has lost his place and the Republic of Ireland's number one because of his lack of first-team football, is an able deputy, but Mignolet's form has marked him out as one of the most accomplished keepers in the Premier League this season.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

W

hose idea was it to sign the capital of the Isle of Man?! F*ck off, I'm not having that!' - Joe Kinnear (possibly, no stranger than any of his bona fide public utterances).

solskjaer99
Newcastle pull Douglas deal

S

wap deal with ITV. Can't wait to see Stuart Pearce and Roy Keane giving each other the evils.

rambo
Southgate tipped for U-21 job

J

oe has signed John Scales instead.

rambo
Newcastle pull Douglas deal

Footer 365

Sky Sports announces opening set of live Football League fixtures

Sky Sports will show five live Football League games in as many days to kick off the 2013/14 season.

RvW earns Hughton plaudits

Norwich manager Chris Hughton thinks that new signing Ricky Van Wolfswinkel can "make the difference" for the Canaries next season.

Andy Carroll hopes West Ham move will improve his chances of going to World Cup with England

Andy Carroll admits that his move to West Ham United could improve his chances of playing at the World Cup next year.

Mail Box

Blaming Camera Angles For England Failings

One chap in the mailbox blames England's struggles on a lack of wide camera angles. Hmmm. Plus, a lot of love for the Confeds Cup and the perfect fixture list...

'Bye Sunderland' & More Fixtures Reaction

The afternoon mailbox has plenty more views on the fixture list. Plus, a sublime piece of skill from Emile Heskey, more cool 'ballers and dull football matches...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved