FORMER captain Jose Fonte recalled Saints cult hero Guly do Prado, adding that he was "loved by everyone."

The attacker played 118 times for Southampton, scoring 23 times and providing 13 assists, between 2010 and 2014.

The 42 year old was a part of the group that achieved back-to-back promotion from League One to the Premier League under Nigel Adkins. 

He later departed the club having only played 74 minutes in an injury-hit final Premier League season.

Fonte, 40, who is set to depart from Braga at the end of his contract, revealed that he remains in contact with his former St Mary's teammates.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, Fonte recounted his relationship with the Brazilian, saying: “We all love him.

"I still speak to him to this day. He is a great guy. He is doing well. He is back in Brazil.

“We always text each other to check that everyone in our family is doing good. Guly was somebody who was loved by everyone.

"He was a guy that gave his best every time he was on the pitch. He was important on the pitch in matches.

"They (supporters) appreciated that he gave everything for the club.

“In the dressing room, he was important for us. He is someone that Saints fans will always remember.”