Southampton defender José Fonte has given an interview to Sunday’s edition of O Jogo. The freshly crowned European champion, who has been linked to several clubs, has hinted that despite his happiness in Hampshire, he would fancy a move to a bigger club if he receives an offer.
When asked if he’d aspire new levels after winning the Euro title, Fonte said: “Southampton are a good club in England, where I’ve been treated very well, we have been successful. However, in football you never know what can happen and it’s obvious that if a world class club who play in the Champions League show up, it’s tempting for me. But I state it again, I’m happy where I am.”
The defender was questioned if a starter for the European champions shouldn’t have a place in a top club squad, and the reporter especially mentioned what they say were recent Manchester United recent rumours.
Fonte replied: “I can’t make statements like that. What I can say is that I strongly believe in my abilities and, through it, I think I can play in any team in the world.”
The 32-year-old also revealed that he’s already received informal offers to leave this summer: “after an European success, interested clubs always show up and there are offers. Let’s wait for the next few weeks… There are several interested sides, but for this to materialise it, it’s something else. Then there are other details: you need to understand if the club wants to sell me, if they are available to let me go. Let’s see what happens.”
The journalist asked Fonte if any club in the world would make him lose his mind, and the player didn’t hesitate in saying: “Without wanting to hurt people in my club who helped me so much, if a Real Madrid or a Barcelona came up interested in me, it would be hard to hold myself.”
Fonte also gave his opinion on his compatriot José Mourinho, who’s taking charge of one of the clubs who he was linked to: “He will give his best and usually the best of him arrives to make well creased marks. He doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. If he’s not the best in the world, he’s one of the best. So I am sure he will do a great job. The mere presence of Mourinho makes United stronger.”
