Mignolet humbled by legends award
Simon Mignolet admits he was incredibly honoured to be named Player of the Year by the Liverpool Former Players Association.
The Belgium shot-stopper was joined by Steven Gerrard and Lucas Leiva at Monday's ceremony at the Hilton Hotel and received a fantastic ovation when he stepped onto stage to pick up the prestigious gong.
Reflecting on the recognition, Mignolet was keen to pay tribute to the supporters and his teammates for helping him through a spell out of the side around the festive period.
"Sometimes it can be a lonely place being a 'keeper but at this club there are always a lot of people supporting you," said Mignolet.
"The coaching staff and my teammates have always been behind me and that makes it a lot easier.
"I want to thank the supporters for always being behind me. I will keep their support in my head going forward.
"I'd like to thank the committee of legends for voting for me. No one would have thought this earlier in the season and neither would I.
"What I've learned this season going forward is that when you get criticism and praise you need to deal with it the same way.
"The only thing you can do is keep your head down, work hard and show on the pitch what you can do."
Mignolet also explained that it was a proud experience for him to be present alongside so many of the club's iconic former players.
He added: "It's the first time I've ever been to this event and it was fantastic to see all the legends together, so many players and so many trophies they won as well.
"Hopefully we can do that with the current squad in the future and be a part of Liverpool's history."
The stopper was also keen to pay tribute to Gerrard, who is set to make his farewell Anfield appearance against Crystal Palace on what will be a day filled with emotion on Saturday.
The captain has netted two vital goals in recent weeks - the winner against Queens Park Rangers and equaliser against Chelsea - and Mignolet admits his boots will be difficult to fill.
"Those two goals sum him up really, scoring important goals for the club at important times of the game," he said.
"The win over QPR and the equaliser at Chelsea, that what's he has done all his career for Liverpool and is still doing that at present.
"I think he has given a lot to football not only to Liverpool but to English football."