Simon Mignolet to Hang Up His Boots

Former Liverpool and Belgium international goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has announced his retirement from professional football at the end of the current season. The 38-year-old shot-stopper confirmed that his final match for current club Club Brugge, a home fixture against Gent on May 24th, will mark his last appearance in the sport.

"The ultimate outcome isn't entirely within my control, but my commitment, will, and determination will be there every day until my very last moment at Club Brugge. Sometimes you have to leave the pitch before it leaves you," the veteran stated. "We still have 10 crucial matches ahead of us with one clear objective – to become champions."

Mignolet retired from international duty in 2023, having earned 35 caps for his national team and participating in three World Cups and two European Championships. He is also well-known for his six-season stint in the Premier League with Liverpool, where he made over 200 appearances for the Merseyside club. He can also boast a Champions League title, despite being Alisson Becker's backup at the time. In 2019, he returned to Belgium to sign with Club Brugge, having previously played for Sint-Truiden and Sunderland.

Belgian media outlets are also reporting that Mignolet is set to embark on a new career in September, taking on a managerial role within the Belgian Football Association. He holds a degree in Football Business Management from KU Leuven University and has also specialized in the same field at UEFA's University.