Speaking to L’Équipe, Lille centre-back José Fonte (37) explained he took a pay cut to stay at Lille for this season and he hopes to stay in Lille for next season too but is keen for his future to be decided soon.
Can you tell us why and how you extended so late at Lille for this season last summer?“We’d spoken with the president in February-March, there was a common desire to extend. He gave me the opportunity to continue… I thought I could keep my previous contract as it was but, in the end, I understood the president’s decision and why that was impossible. I was happy to continue, with 30% less salary perhaps, but I feel good here. I believe in our project. There was the Champions League too, that was one of the main reasons, and the geographical proximity to my family [in London]. It was the best compromise.”
Will you be at Lille next season?“I’m calm. I try to be good on the pitch. If so, of course, everything will happen. But I can’t wait until the end of the season. I want to know if the club wants to continue with me or not so I can talk about it with my family – my career plan. I need to be sure in January, February at the latest. If the management takes a different path, there will be no problem but I want to prepare. I want to play another season, here or elsewhere, that’s for sure.”