If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
Rui Fonte returns to Sporting
Arsenal spell comes to an end for young prospect
Arsenal have decided not to retain Portugal U21 striker Rui Fonte, who has returned to Sporting after a three-year spell in the English capital. The forward has come back to Alvalade and has already become acquainted with his Sporting team-mates in training.
Fonte moved to Arsenal on a long-term loan deal in 2006, at just 16 years of age, with manager Arsene Wenger insisting an option to buy the player outright at the end of the loan period was written into the deal.
However, the Gunners have decided not to exercise the clause, and Fonte therefore returns to his home country.
The 19-year-old played several matches for Arsenal reserves, but only made one appearance for the senior side, in the League Cup tie against Wigan. During the second half of this season he was farmed out on loan to Crystal Palace, where he played alongside his brother, Jose.
Rui Fonte has a contract with Sporting until 2011, but given that Liedson, Derlei, Postiga, Djalo and Rodrigo Tiui are all likely to start next campaign ahead of him in the pecking order, another spell on loan appears the most likely next step in the player’s development.
Comment