Former Portuguese international José Fonte announced his retirement at the age of 42.

Former Portuguese international José Fonte announced on Thursday that he will end his 24-year professional career, effective immediately.

The 42-year-old Fonte primarily plays as a center-back and made his professional debut in 2002 with Sporting Lisbon B. He subsequently played for several teams, including Vergueira, Setúbal, Benfica, Ferreira, Amadora Stars, Crystal Palace, Southampton, West Ham United, Dalian Yifang, Lille, and Braga, before finally playing his last professional match for Portuguese powerhouse Casapia.

According to Transfermarkt, Fonte has made 750 club appearances to date, scoring 33 goals and providing 23 assists. He has won the English League Cup and the Portuguese League Cup with his team, and captained Lille to win the 2021/22 Ligue 1 title and the French Super Cup.

Fonte also achieved success at the national team level. He made 50 appearances for the Portuguese national team, winning the 2016 European Championship and the 2019 UEFA Nations League title.

After helping Casapia avoid relegation, Fonte immediately announced his retirement. In his statement, he wrote: "Today is my 882nd match. And my last match."

Nothing comes easily. Everything is earned through one's own efforts.

"Thank you to everyone who has helped me. You have helped a boy from Penafiel achieve his biggest dream—to become a professional player."

“Twenty-four years have passed. I’ve moved to four countries, played for several clubs, and represented my country. I’ve lifted trophies and even won the European Championship and the UEFA Nations League for my country. But what truly stays in my heart isn’t the trophies—it’s the people.”

“I am forever grateful to my parents and brothers for being there for me from the very beginning. Thank you to my wife, who is my guiding light in life. Thank you to my children for forgiving me for taking away their weekends. Thank you to my family.”

"I have learned a lot from every club I have played for. Thank you to all my teammates, coaches and staff."

"Finally, there's Casapia, where I met a group of extraordinary partners. Today, we journey together once again."

"To all the fans... you will always be in my heart."

Image source: Internet/A Bola