Former captain, José Fonte was one of the hundred former glories present in Lille this Sunday, during the 80th anniversary of LOSC, and it would be an understatement to say that he enjoyed the show.
The image was almost surreal for the Lille supporters who, at the start of the afternoon, saw 104 former LOSC champions arrive, all at once, inside the Decathlon Arena – Stade Pierre Mauroy . Among them were individuals from all generations, from Charly Samoy and Alain Simon to Carlos Baleba and José Fonte. The latter did not arrive alone in Lille, accompanied by his son who had an unforgettable day.
“The first thing is that I’m happy to see you again, laughs José Fonte, who suddenly appeared in the mixed zone in front of journalists he knows very well, at least for the most part. It was phenomenal, really fantastic to be there with all the former players, with the president, the current players, some of whom I knew, and with Lille: the supporters. I am very, very happy, and so is my son. He was amazed by everything that happened. We are all very happy to have been able to witness all this, and this great victory too. Everything went perfectly well”savors the former LOSC captain.
The biggest surprise, for him, was the tifo deployed by the Dogues Virage Est section. José Fonte appeared there, alongside Benjamin André, Fernando D'Amico, Jonathan David, Lucas Chevalier, Eden Hazard, Jean Baratte, Rio Mavuba and Florent Balmont:
“I had never seen my head so big in a standhe smiles. It’s something incredible, magnificent to see that. My son, Lucas, was amazed. He was… 'WOW' and told me to take a good look. It was a truly great experience for everyone. »
“Everything goes by too quickly”
His return to Lille was also to reunite with some of his former teammates, those with whom he notably won the French Champion title during the 2020-2021 season:
“Who still remains in the squad that I know well? Jonathan David, Benjamin André… Yes, Benjaminhe bursts out laughing. Everything goes by too quickly. »
Benjamin André, in fact, is his predecessor in the role of captain. He then concluded his speech with a true declaration of love, or rather of brotherhood: “But what a player!”he exclaims into our microphone. I'm watching the match today, just as a spectator, but he's running around. He wins all the duels, recovers all the balls (10, the match record). He's a huge player. If I were coach, he would play all the time, every match. […] What a great job he is doing. He's a brother and he's very, very important to this club. I think everyone knows that. He is a very generous player, who gives everything. That's why everyone loves him. »
