At The Top Of The Ladder

Premier dreams inspire Mignolet

0 Comments | Sunderland Echo (Pennywell, England), June 18, 2010

> The Sint-Truiden goalkeeper’s move to the Stadium of Light was finally confirmed yesterday afternoon with the highly-rated 22-year-old Belgian accepting a five-year contract.

And he was quick to point out how excited he is about the prospect of playing for the Black Cats in the Premier League next season.

Mignolet’s deal will make him financially secure at a very young age and much has been made of that fact back in his home country where wages for players are substantially lower.

But the keeper himself, while not denying that Sunderland’s offer was far more lucrative than PSV’s, insists money is not his motivation.

If it was, he would not be the first player to have his head turned by money and another potential young Sunderland star a Hibernian striker Anthony Stokes admitted this summer that money was the reason why he moved to Wearside and he regretted it.

But Mignolet said: “Money was not the only reason I chose Sunderland over PSV.

“When I visited the club I was really impressed with Sunderland’s facilities and the size of the club itself.

“I also got a really good feeling from the people I met at the club and I was able to meet Steve Bruce, who made a big impression on me.

“That is not to say that I wasn’t impressed by PSV either a it is just that I got the best feeling from Sunderland and the way it is structured and I felt it was the best club for me.”

The transfer fee was not disclosed by the clubs but the Echo understands it is just over A[pounds sterling]1million a which could be a bargain buy for Sunderland if the 6ft 4ins stopper fulfils his potential over the course of his stay.

Mignolet says that the dream of playing in the Premier League is what will drive him on.

“When I was young, I always watched Match of the Day on the BBC and loved the games, so for me it is a dream come true that I might soon get a chance to play in that league.

“I know it will be a big step up for me but I am ready for the challenge and glad that the deal is done.
“It’s a great chance for a young keeper a the chance to play in the Premier League with as big a club as Sunderland and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Mignolet is now set to go off on a short holiday with girlfriend Jasmine before arriving in Sunderland on July 7 for the start of pre-season training.