Fonte: Saints move changed my life

Fonte initially joined Saints in League One in January 2010, dropping down a division, further from his Premier League dream, when he signed from Crystal Palace.

The 40-year-old, still playing in the top flight in his native Portugal, made a huge mark in Southampton history by helping the club win the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in his first season followed by back-to-back promotions to the Premier League, ultimately qualifying for Europe.

Back at St Mary’s to play in Sunday’s charity match, Fonte donned the armband once more, and later reflected on his successful seven-year spell with the club in which he also established himself as a Portugal international, winning EURO 2016 – his country’s first major honour – as a regular starter.

It would have been unthinkable when he signed.

“It changed my life, that’s the reality,” he said of his decision to become a Saint. “I came to England, Crystal Palace, I was doing well. I had to make a difficult decision because obviously I had dreams of playing in the Premier League, and then I was faced with the situation of having to go because the club needed money at the time – they needed to sell players – and the only option was Saints.

“Alan Pardew wanted me, in League One, so it was a difficult decision, but Nicola Cortese and Alan Pardew managed to convince me. I saw the players that we had, the quality in the squad, and it ended up being the best decision of my life.

“When you look back and you see two promotions, Wembley – we won the JPT, amazing – then we went on and went into European competitions. It’s just special.

“The amount of players, the amount of great games we had here at St Mary’s, is something that we’ll never forget, so absolutely incredible.”

The leader of one of Saints’ most revered dressing rooms, Fonte revealed he remains in touch with Jos Hooiveld, Morgan Schneiderlin, Rickie Lambert and Ryan Bertrand, amongst others.

Regularly watching from afar, it’s clear the former centre-back still holds the club close to his heart.

“We developed such great relationships,” he added. “We were a very tight group of players throughout the years and that bond, even if we don’t see each other often, when we reunite it’s special. It’s just like we’ve never been apart.

“It was amazing – just to be on the pitch, to see some familiar faces, I recognise even some supporters, some people from the staff. It was a real pleasure to be here, to come back and I loved it. Obviously it’s special.

“It means the world. Almost 300 games for this shirt, a lot of good memories, success, wins after wins. This club means a lot to me, so I’m super happy for today and I wish obviously the actual team all the best for the rest of the season, I’m confident the coach can turn it around, the players are capable, and we are here to support from a distance.

“When there is a Premier League game and Saints are on TV back home, I will watch it, obviously. Like I said, it’s a club that is special, and I always keep an eye when I can.”