Why Simon Mignolet wears No.88 at Club Brugge after move from Liverpool last summer

Club Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet will start in goal against Manchester United in the first-leg of their Europa League last-32 tie – and fans will see him wear an odd shirt number.

After a lengthy spell in the Premier League playing for Sunderland and Liverpool, the Belgian returned to his homeland last summer to sign for Brugge.

He spent several years as Liverpool’s No.1 goalkeeper – but didn’t wear the shirt with that number on that back.

Instead Mignolet sported the No.22 jersey in his time as first-choice and then backup to Loris Karius and Alisson.

And he doesn’t wear the No.1 at Brugge either.

Instead he’ll be in action against United wearing the unusual No.88 on his back. But why is that?

Why Simon Mignolet wears the No.88 shirt at Club Brugge

Taking the No.88 shirt was a decision Mignolet took himself after signing for the club last August.

He opted for 88 because it is a multiple of his previous No.22 shirt, at the fourth club of his professional career, having started at Sint-Truiden before moving to Sunderland, Liverpool and now Brugge.

it also happens to represent the year of his birth – 1988.

“We looked at the numbers that were still available. Initially the intention was to take 12, but out of respect for the 12th man I didn’t do that,” he explained.

“I have always played with back number 22.

“88 is fourfold of 22 and this is my 4th club. That is the idea. It’s that simple.”

Mignolet says he’s got no regrets about leaving Liverpool despite Jurgen Klopp’s side becoming an all-conquering force in the Premier League and Europe.

“I’ve said it loads of times, that I want to be playing week in, week out, and I’ve got the chance to do that with Club Brugge now, so I’m very pleased with that,” he said.

On the Europa League tie against his former club’s bitter rivals, he added: “It’s not me against Manchester United or me playing against an English team.

“It’s Club Brugge against Manchester United and we have to play our game as a team and as a club to try and give us the best platform to play the second leg at Old Trafford.

“I’ve said it before, Manchester United are a really good team. They’re playing well. It’s going to be a fixture; it’s going to be tough challenge.

“And for our boys, it’s a new challenge to face against an English team at the European stage so we look forward to that in the first place.”

source: express.co.uk