The Hammers co-chairman seems thrilled to have captured the Southampton centre-back.
West Ham United co-chairman David Gold has told the club’s official website that he is “thrilled” to have snapped up Southampton centre-back Jose Fonte.
The Hammers completed a deal worth a reported £8 million to bring the Euro 2016 winner to the London Stadium on Friday.
The 33-year-old will add experience and presence to the Irons’ backline, which has shipped a disappointing 35 goals in 21 Premier League games this term.
Gold is evidently delighted to have addressed the club’s needs at centre-back, and was quick to talk up the star’s wide range of top-class experience.
Gold told the club’s website: “I am thrilled that we have been able to complete the signing of Jose Fonte from Southampton. Jose has a wealth of experience at the highest level and is a proven winner having won the European Championships with Portugal last summer.
“We need quality experienced players who have played in the Premier League and will settle in straight away. You can never have too many quality players in the squad and this is an important signing.
“He has played over 250 games for Southampton in the top flight and is a seasoned professional who will settle in straight away. This is great news for the club and he will be a great acquisition.”
Initially a Championship centre-back with Crystal Palace and then the Saints during his time as England, Fonte has been a fixture in the latter’s side in the top flight since their promotion in 2012, captaining the side for the last two-and-a-half years.
He did not sign in time to be eligible for Saturday’s clash with Middlesbrough.
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