OFFICIAL: 'Warrior' who won EURO 2016 with Ronaldo retires

The legendary Portuguese defender Jose Fonte, a Southampton icon, has announced his retirement at 42 following a remarkable 882-game professional career.

EURO 2016 champion He played a key role in Southampton's rise from League One to the Premier League, making 288 appearances. Fonte wore the St Mary's shirt from 2009 to 2017 before moving to West Ham United, Chinese club Dalian Yifang, and Lille.

At Lille, the Portuguese center-back made 196 appearances, including two Champions League campaigns, and was instrumental in the French club's Ligue 1 title in 2021. He then returned to his homeland to play for SC Braga in 2023 and spent his final professional season with Casa Pia in the Portuguese top flight.

At 42, Fonte has decided to end a 24-year playing career with a total of 6 major and minor trophies, most notably the EURO 2016 title and the 2019 UEFA Nations League with Portugal.

On his personal Instagram, Fonte emotionally shared: “Today was match 882. It was also the last one. Nothing came easy; everything had to be conquered. Thank you to everyone who helped a boy from Penafiel fulfill his biggest dream: to become a football player. 24 years have passed.

Four countries, many clubs, but only one love for football. I have won many titles, including the EURO and Nations League with my country. But what remains is not medals, but people.

Forever grateful to my parents and brother for always being with me from day one. Thank you to my wife, my direction in life. Thank you to my children for the weekends I took away from them.

Thank you to my family, every club I played for, my teammates, coaches, and staff. And finally to Casa Pia, where I found a wonderful group. Today we fought together once again.

And to all the fans... I will always carry you in my heart.

Thank you, football.”