Official | José Fonte leaves Lille | OneFootball

José Fonte has officially announced that he will be leaving Lille, via a post on his Instagram account. The Portuguese centre-back has confirmed his departure from the Stade Pierre Mauroy after his contract expired on the 30th of June. The 39-year-old is now expected to return to his homeland and complete a deal to sign for Portuguese club Braga.

Lille signed the former West Ham and Crystal Palace defender from Dalian Yifang in China on a free transfer in 2018. The former Lille captain spent 5 years in Northern France and played a major part in the team that saw LOSC win the league for the first time in ten years in 2021 under Christophe Galtier’s stewardship. Fonte also won the Trophée des Champions during his time with Les Dogues. The former Southampton defender went on to make 196 appearances, scoring 9 goals and assisting a further 5 for the Hauts-de-France club.

In a statement on his Instagram, Fonte said “Dear Lille fans. After five years, my time as a Lille player comes to an end… I can honestly say I have given you my absolute best, until the very last second.” The Portuguese international adds, “Les Lillois, I will never forget you… I’m forever grateful for your love, appreciation and respect”.

GFFN | Liam Wraith