Some strange words from Jose Fonte when asked about his chances of moving to Manchester United in the January transfer window.

Jose Fonte was always very coy about whether his alleged move to Manchester United had any real substance to it or whether it was just a case of his fellow Portugese compatriots Jose Mourinho and Jorge Mendes getting together to make some money for themselves of their client.

Certainly Fonte has not signed a new deal at St Mary's which has lead some to think that there is some friction between club and player after the press shenanigans in the summer.

Saints seemed to offer Fonte a new deal as soon as he returned from the Euros but then the rumoured move to United surfaced and the St Mary's hirearchy did not seem impressed that they seemed to be being bullied into a corner either to offer Fonte more money or to sell him to United.

Subsequent comments attributed to Fonte in the press have only served to stir up rumour rather than put them to bed and have usually been of a nature that doesn't quite make a statement one way or the other.

The latest interview with the Saints Captain is another that is strange although this time it is getting a little cryptic.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Portugal's World Cup qualifier against Latvia on Sunday, Fonte who will be 33 next month, when asked about why the transfer did not happen said.

"What I can say is what I read in the media. There was a lot of talk about it, but it did not happen. "I am a player of Southampton with great pride. The future belongs to God."

When later in the same session he it was put to him that he would be ideal to solve United's current defensive woes he said.

"With all due respect I am now focused on the selection," (presumably Portugal's team for Sunday)

So again Fonte failed to say unequivocally that his future lays at St Mary's and it was also unclear whether firstly he is privy to some information that God might be appointed as a football manager at some point in the near future and secondly whether that appointment would be at Southampton or Manchester United or indeed at another club.

Saints fans will of course be hoping that it won't be at the most obvious starting place for God to perform a few miracles in his first job in football, as Happoel Be'er Sheva would be the obvious choice and Saints need to beat the Israeli side to go through to the Europa League knockout stages.

Another theory is that Fonte's words lost something in translation and that he actually said that "The future belongs to Rod" !

Rod Stewart is a big fan of football but despite his multi millions has never owned a football club, perhaps that is about to change and Jose Fonte is top of his shopping list.

Photo: Action Images

arthurfane added 14:08 - Nov 9 Anyone know when Season Ticket holders (no away games) are able to buy Crystal Palace away tickets?
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Sanguin added 14:18 - Nov 9 This is always a difficult question for players to answer, if you were in a player’s shoes you wouldn’t want to rule out any move, especially to a top team. At least he didn’t say “I hope so” like Adam Lallana. I wouldn’t begrudge Fonte a move to Manchester United at the end of his career, as long as we could replace him adequately. Central defence is already a position we lack depth in.

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Jesus_02 added 16:39 - Nov 9 No worries, as per the other thread we have Florin Gardos ready to step in ;)
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schatfield added 08:54 - Nov 10 Lets be blunt, he is desperately hoping for a move to Man Utd...
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bstokesaint added 12:37 - Nov 10 Let's be blunter, he's not good enough for Man U, based on what we've seen from his this season anyway. I think he's been a really good player and great captain for us (this season aside), but if someone like Schneiderlin can't get into the first team, then Fonte would be lucky. You can't get away with any mistakes with the plastics.
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IWOZTHERE added 11:52 - Nov 11 I agree he's been excellent over the years but Tempus Fugit and I think for a couple of seasons his errors have been more and his speed and strength have been less. If Gardos had been fit at the start I'm sure Jose would have been behind him in the pecking order by now.
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SaintBrock added 18:34 - Nov 11 Let's face facts, the bloke's head has been turned and there's no way back. He wants out and the quicker it happens the better for all after all it's pretty obvious he isn't really committed here anymore. His performances this season have been poor and a shadow of those of last season. Now we are told his Portuguese mate is being eyed up by Real Madrid so imagine if those two get talking over a glass of port to chew the fat.

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