José Fonte left LOSC this summer as a club legend. Ligue 1 champion and legendary club captain, the Portuguese international has joined SC BragaHe returned to his home country where he had a good season.
A good start
José Fonte left LOSC after 5 years of loyal service and 196 games played. French champion in 2021, 3 European campaigns, the Portuguese defender has acquired legendary status within the Lille club. The Portuguese international has chosen to join Sc Braga at the end of his contract. He has signed with this club until June 2024.
If the club had promised him a starting position, he would see most of the matches on the sidelines. He played a total of 33 matches, being on the scoresheet 52 times. Paulo Oliveira will take his place mid-season. This season allowed José Fonte to return to European competitions, he participated in the Champions League then in the Europa League.
A new adventure?
Braga Sc will finish 3rd in their Champions League group, behind Real Madrid and Napoli. This third place qualified them for the last 16 of the Europa League, they will be beaten by Qarabag. The club is strengthened by a 4th place in the championship, synonymous with a play-off for the C3. But the real comfort is the trophy won, the Bracarian club wins the Carlsberg Cup for the 3rd time in its history.
After this great season, José Fonte’s contract will not be extended. At 40, what next for his professional career? We will have the answer at the end of summer, but for Euro 2024, he becomes a consultant for BBC, accompanied by Gary Lineker, Wayne Rooney and Alan Schearer, a great legendary team. A post-career well negotiated by the former Lille defender.
Photo credit: Gonçalo Delgado/Global Images/Icon Sport
