Simon Mignolet: 'I don't want to leave'

Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has insisted that he does not want to depart the club at the end of the season.

The Belgian was responding to suggestions from his agent Guy Vandersmissen, who hinted that the 24-year-old was keen to join a bigger club.

"I felt I wanted to communicate with the club's fans following the media reaction to comments made by my representative, which I feel were taken out of context and not a true reflection," he told the club's official website.

"Of course, my ambition is to regain the number one spot with my national team, but I feel I can do that with Sunderland. I was playing as Belgium's number one a year ago and hopefully that can be the case in the future.

"I am happy at Sunderland - a club I am proud to represent. I will continue focusing on my football, starting with Saturday's game against Fulham."

Mignolet is closing in on 100 appearances for the Black Cats.