Fonte commits to Southampton

Southampton captain Jose Fonte has signed a new three-year contract to tie him to the Premier League club until June 2018.

The 31-year-old centre-back has been a solid performer for the Saints since his switch from Crystal Palace in January 2010, which has earned him international recognition with Portugal.

Fonte played an integral role in the south coast club's rise from League One to the Premier League following back-to-back promotions in 2011 and 2012.

The Portugal international has started all eight league games for Ronald Koeman's side this season and he is hoping to kick on now that his future at St Mary's has been secured.

He told the club's official website upon signing on: "I'm obviously very pleased and very happy. I want to thank the manager, Les Reed, Ralph [Krueger], Katharina [Liebherr] – all of the staff and all of the board – for showing their trust and belief in me.

"I am extremely happy that they are giving me this opportunity to keep being in this great club, and I hope I can give back with good performances and by helping the club move forward.

"This is where I feel happy and where I've been very successful, so this is where I want to be and where I want to win."

Koeman added: "I'm very pleased because he's an important player for the team – he's our captain. 

"He has played already several years for the club and he is really feeling well in Southampton – he's a great professional and an example how you have to behave in football. 

"He knows what you have to do to develop yourself, and I'm very happy that he stays for more years."