Jose Fonte has decided to leave West Ham for the Chinese Super League.
West Ham United have confirmed that defender Jose Fonte has left the London Stadium to join Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang – and Joao Mario has reacted to his departure on Twitter.
The 34-year-old had fallen down the pecking order at West Ham as he struggled to overcome a long-term calf injury before finally returning earlier this month by remaining an unused substitute in the Hammers’ last three Premier League games.
The likes of James Collins, Winston Reid, Declan Rice and Angelo Ogbonna remain above the Portugal international, and his departure seems him leave just over a year after joining the club from Southampton for £8million.
Euro 2016 winning teammate Mario reacted on Twitter to Fonte’s move, wishing the veteran defender “all the best” as he moves on to pastures new.
Dalian Yifang enjoyed promotion to the Chinese Super League last season, gaining promotion from the second tier as champions. Fonte becomes by far their biggest player, with one-time Ivory Coast international Yannick Boli also well-renowned.
New Zealand international Reid has been confirmed as set to return to the Hammers squad by David Moyes ahead of Saturday’s trip to Liverpool, coming as good timing following Fonte’s sale.
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