---
title: "Fonte admits Southampton return was difficult"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2017/02/05/fonte-admits-southampton-return-difficult/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ryan Darby"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2017-02-05T13:49:34Z"
modified: "2017-02-05T13:49:34Z"
---

# Fonte admits Southampton return was difficult

New West Ham defender Jose Fonte admits that his return to St Mary’s was a difficult afternoon for him.

Speaking following the club’s impressive 3-1 win over the Saints, as reported by the [Daily Mail](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-4193212/West-Ham-s-Jose-Fonte-St-Mary-s-return-came-soon.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490), Fonte admits that he tried to remain as professional as possible throughout.

> It was a strange experience coming back to Southampton, it was emotional, difficult, but in the end I can say a big thank you to everyone – to the West Ham supporters and my team-mates for helping me get through it.

![Michael Steele/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readwestham.com/readwestham/2017/02/633781658.jpg)

Fonte made the switch from Southampton to West Ham after reportedly handing in a transfer request, bringing an end to a seven-year spell with the club he helped take from League One to the Premier League.

Despite going a goal behind through an excellent strike from Southampton debutant Manolo Gabbiadini, Fonte was pleased with the reaction of his new teammates.

> I managed to block everything out and stay focused on the game. The most important thing was achieved, which is the three points and a great performance. It’s never easy. That wasn’t the start I wanted, we weren’t at the races, but we showed great character and personality to come and play.

The Hammers fought back to win 3-1 thanks to goals from Andy Carroll, Pedro Obiang and Mark Noble.

After a disappointing start to the season, the win over the Saints lifted the Hammers up to ninth in the Premier League as they prepare to face West Brom.