A Goodbye Letter To Simon Mignolet

Dear Simon.

I can’t say I am your biggest fan. Because I’m not sure who is my favorite. Sometimes it was Mo. Sometimes it was Sadio. Sometimes it was Couasasljfk. Hell, even Dejan as well. But you know, I always see you like the least favorite player. So, you’ll never be my number one as the favorite. But I always there to adore you.

I couldn’t remember it clearly. It was Sunderland vs Liverpool around 2009 or 2010. There was Dirk Kuyt, prepared for a free-kick. You were Sunderland’s goalkeeper. He hit the ball. And you couldn’t catch it. You made the mistake and it cost the team.

I remembered that I laughed so hard because of your mistake. Maybe that was the stupidest goalkeeper mistake I’ve ever seen. And no way, the young Simon Mignolet would have a long successful carrier in English football. Maybe you should back to Belgium, to Brugge or Anderlecht.

Somehow, the irony hit reality too far. You came to Anfield once again. But this time not as a Sunderland's player or anyone's player. But as the new goalkeeper of Liverpool Football Club.

I was like, what? This dude was the replacement of Reina? The one that did arguably the stupidest goalkeeping mistake in English football history? No way.

Then, you saved a penalty in your debut match. So, I was hyped for the new goalkeeper like everyone else. And believed you were the one who made our goal safe every week.

Six years later, you’re still here. And recently we won that precious UCL trophy. It’s the biggest price the club can give to you. The European Champions. Even you never play a single minute.

That 2018/2019 season you just played one competitive match. And it ended up with a loss. At the same time, Alisson was breaking all the expectation and fixing what Karius left out. Like or not, he’s the best goalkeeper in Liverpool and probably top three in EPL. You had nearly zero chance to play that season, in your last season.

After a little feud with Jurgen, you made a decision. A decision that won’t able to forget by all Liverpool fans. You’re a bench warmer. But also became a Liverpool supporter at its best. Supporting the lads directly from the bench.

It hurt. Even from a supporter’s perspective. A player should make a significant contribution. And because you were the second choice, the significant contribution you can make was supporting the lads. But you did it sincerely. You posted about the team, certain players, and even your rival who took the starting role, Alisson.

Many said that was a true professional attitude. But for me, it was from your heart. You love Liverpool and you really show it, no matter what.

But in the end, you are a professional football player. Still good enough to be the first choice. So yeah you… um, I can't find a better word. I don’t want to say leave, but that literally leave. You leave from this club, the club you love probably the most. It’s better for the club and also for you.

Like that superhero movie said, part of the journey is the end. And you have the best one for ending it at Anfield and with UCL trophy in hand.

But if have some free time, just come anytime. Either as a Liverpool supporter sitting at the tribune. Or playing some tribute or charity match. We love to see you again.

Thank you for all the memories.

Thank you for all the penalties stop.

Thank you for all the endless warm support.

Thank you for becoming the inspiration for my (incoming but I have no clue when exactly coming) novel.

Good luck at Brugge.

Thank you, Simon Mignolet. 

We love you 22.

You’ll never walk alone.