Former captain Jose Fonte admits Saints move was ‘best decision of my life’

Fonte, 40, was back at St Mary's on Sunday to take part in a charity game against a Russell Martin XI, raising money for various causes. Although he scored an own goal after some miscommunication with former teammate Kelvin Davis, it remained a "real pleasure" to be back on the south coast. Currently signed to Liga Portugal side Casa Pia, Fonte insisted upon returning to the south coast to play alongside his fellow Saints legends. Speaking with club media after the game, Fonte reflected upon his decision to join Saints in 2010 and the subsequent success in red and white. He said: “It changed my life, that’s the reality. I came to England, Crystal Palace, I was doing well. I had to make a difficult decision because obviously, I had dreams of playing in the Premier League.  "I was faced with the situation of having to go because the club needed money at the time – they needed to sell players – and the only option was Saints. “Alan Pardew wanted me, in League One, so it was a difficult decision, but Nicola Cortese and Alan Pardew managed to convince me. "I saw the players that we had, the quality in the squad, and it ended up being the best decision of my life. “When you look back and you see two promotions, Wembley – we won the JPT, amazing – then we went on and went into European competitions. It’s just special. “The amount of players, the amount of great games we had here at St Mary’s is something that we’ll never forget, it's so absolutely incredible.” Fonte's St Mary's homecoming saw him renew his on-field relationship with the likes of Davis, Morgan Schneiderlin and Shane Long. The former Portugal international admitted he remains in contact with the likes of Jos Hooiveld, Ryan Bertrand, Rickie Lambert and Schneiderlin. “We developed such great relationships,” he explained. “We were a very tight group of players throughout the years and that bond, even if we don’t see each other often, when we reunite it’s special. READ MORE: 'Forever grateful' - Schneiderlin reflects on Saints stint and opens up on retirement "It’s just like we’ve never been apart. It was amazing – just to be on the pitch, to see some familiar faces, I recognised even some supporters, some people from the staff. "It was a real pleasure to be here, to come back and I loved it. Obviously, it’s special. It means the world. Almost 300 games for this shirt, a lot of good memories, success, wins after wins. "This club means a lot to me, so I’m super happy for today and I wish the actual team all the best for the rest of the season.  "I’m confident the coach can turn it around, the players are capable, and we are here to support from a distance. “When there is a Premier League game and Saints are on TV back home, I will watch it, obviously. Like I said, it’s a club that is special, and I always keep an eye out when I can.”