José Fonte joins Sunderland coaching staff after hanging up his boots

Portuguese center-back José Fonte, 42, officially ended his 24-year playing career at the end of last season, having made 798 appearances and won six major trophies with Benfica, Southampton and Lille among others. Instead of stepping away from football, the veteran defender immediately moved into coaching. Sunderland have confirmed that Fonte has joined the first-team coaching setup, with head coach Régis Le Bris keen to bring him on board. Fonte will work alongside assistants Alessandro Barcherini and Michael Proctor, chief analyst Isidre Ramon Madir, set-piece coach James Brain and first-team goalkeeper coach Neil Cutler at the Stadium of Light.