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'This can't continue'

Simon Mignolet admits he may be forced to quit Liverpool this month to keep his World Cup dream alive

Keeper has had to share first-team duties with Loris Karius this season and fears it could affect his chances with Belgium in the summer

SIMON MIGNOLET has dealt Liverpool a blow - by suggesting he could QUIT Anfield this month for the sake of his World Cup prospects.

The Belgium keeper has been the Reds' first choice since his £9million move from Sunderland in 2013.

 Simon Mignolet has admitted he could leave Liverpool
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Simon Mignolet has admitted he could leave LiverpoolCredit: AFP or licensors

But Mignolet has had to share first-team duties with Loris Karius this season, with boss Jurgen Klopp once again favouring his German compatriot for Sunday's 4-3 win over Manchester City.

The Belgian, 29, now fears for his place in the Red Devils' squad for Russia this summer if he continues to play second fiddle to 24-year-old Karius.

Mignolet insisted: "I will soon be 30, and the World Cup finals are coming around. My current situation clearly can't continue much longer.

"Roberto Martinez, the Belgium coach, watched the Manchester City game and sent me a message of support afterwards. I appreciate it a lot.

 Simon Mignolet was dropped for the massive game against Manchester City
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Simon Mignolet was dropped for the massive game against Manchester CityCredit: Reuters
 Loris Karius was preferred as Liverpool defeated Manchester City
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Loris Karius was preferred as Liverpool defeated Manchester CityCredit: AFP or licensors

"I know he has a lot of faith in me, and I played well in the recent friendly against Japan.

"But it is always important for me to be playing matches.


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"I always try to keep calm, and I have come back stronger from similar situations in the past.

"But of course I have to think about my own future. All I can do is focus in training and do my best.

Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius is easily beaten at his near post by Manchester City’s Leroy Sane

"I had a discussion with Jurgen Klopp after we played Burnley on January 1. He had rotated us over the Christmas period, and I don't think that is a healthy situation for a goalkeeper.

"Klopp then told me what was going to happen for the Manchester City game. Of course I was not happy, although no harsh words were said.

"He told me honestly that Karius is ahead of me in the pecking order. I am absolutely not happy with this, although I always have to respect the coach's decision.

 Jurgen Klopp has a habit of changing his keepers around
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Jurgen Klopp has a habit of changing his keepers aroundCredit: AFP or licensors

"After all that has gone on this season, I now know where I am - and the situation has become clearer.

"I have captained the side three times this season. I asked for an explanation to the bizarre situation after the Burnley game.

"We then played Everton in the FA Cup, and after a long break the Manchester City game came around.

"I had a premonition about what might happen with me - and it turned out to be correct."

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