Fonte: A positive year

Saints recorded their highest-ever Barclays Premier League finish back in May, before going on to feature in European competition for the first time since 2003.

While results during the second half of the year may not have gone the way many would have hoped, Fonte feels Ronald Koeman’s side can take plenty with them heading into 2016.

“I think [the year] was positive – we achieved our highest position in the Premier League ever, so we had a positive year I think,” Fonte told youtube.com/southamptonfc. “Hopefully 2016 will be even better.

“We had some spectacular wins – Manchester United away and Chelsea win in this year’s competition. We had many great wins and we can savour and remember them.

“There’s still a lot to achieve and there’s still more wins we need to get.”

One of the most memorable wins of 2015 came against Arsenal on Boxing Day. Fonte scored in that win against the Gunners, and it marked what had been a special December already for the 32 year-old.

“December is a busy month for me. I had the birth of my daughter, my birthday, my wedding anniversary and then I scored on Boxing Day,” he recalls.

“It was pretty special, but above all I was glad we managed to get a good win and put in a very good performance. It was a really good Christmas for me.”

The year ended in disappointment for Saints as they suffered a 2-1 defeat away to West Ham United – a game which marked Fonte’s 250th appearances for the club.

“I would have liked to mark it with a win and a good performance, but it wasn’t meant to be,” Fonte explained. 

“250 appearances is something to be proud of – another 250 is the target.

“We had a great first half and should have gone two or three up.

“The second half they got lucky with the first goal and unfortunately we weren’t able to get the win. Even after the second goal the team reacted well.

“West Ham are a good team – we need to take the positives and approach Norwich well on Saturday to take the win.”