Jose Fonte has broken his silence over his controversial January transfer move and said West Ham “would take care of my family in ways that Southampton weren't willing to.”

The former captain, who rose through the divisions over seven season at St Mary’s, also hit out at what he says were “lies” claiming that he submitted a transfer request.

Fonte’s acrimonious departure has been a disappointing one for supporters who had taken them to their hearts.

He explained: “I appreciate what the club had done for me since day one but we all have to take care of our families. There were offers that came in that would take care of my family in ways that Southampton weren't willing to. It's a difficult situation.

“I arrived in the Premier League late at 29-years-old - you still have to live 50 years after football. You do your best for yourself and your family. You've got to fight for what you believe. I respected the club, but they weren't willing to find an agreement and reach a compromise.”

Fonte, speaking to former Saints boss Graeme Souness as part of a Sky Sports feature, disputed that he had handed in a transfer request.

The club’s executive director, Les Reed, confirmed in January: “Yes. He has formally asked for a transfer.”

Fonte, though, appears to be disputing the detail, saying he didn’t hand in a written transfer request.

He also disputed claims that he was not performing his duties as captain as he once had, something that gained traction after a Tweet from Saints great Matt Le Tissier.

He said: “It's completely clear. When I see all over the news that I submitted a transfer request to leave the club - that's disappointing. That never happened. There was an interview from the club; from a press conference that I demanded to leave, which then the press took it as a transfer request and I wonder where is it?

“As I said before, in the summer there were possibilities of leaving - that's normal, everyone fights for their own interests to get the best possible outcome for yourself. To say that I wrote an official transfer request to the club, that's a lie. And also that I refused to train and I wasn't being a good captain? That's a complete lie. I've always given my best to that club. That's the main thing the fans should know. My conscious is very clear.”

He added: The real fans know I've given everything for the club. They know every time I step on the pitch and put on the shirt, I give blood, sweat and tears. I've played with broken toes, broken ribs. I've done all I could to help the team go from League One to the Premier League.

“All I want them to know is that what they see in the press about me putting in a transfer request and I refused to train, that's all lies. I've never rejected to train or play. I want to play every game and every minute. I was a good professional as the manager said in the press. It's hard to see when people are saying I'm a bad egg or an apple.”