JOSE Fonte has targeted winning silverware and playing in the Champions League with Saints after signing a three-year contract extension.

Fonte recently put pen to paper on a deal that will take his stay into a ninth year at St Mary’s.

The captain has placed playing in Europe’s elite competition and a Wembley final high on his wish list for the next stage of his Saints career.

“We’ve been talking about it, obviously the manager and the club, we want to have some silverware, a cup, and try to finish higher in the league,” he said.

“That’s the target.”

The ambitious 31-year-old helped Ronald Koeman’s side to a Europa League place last term.

Although that ended in a play-off exit against Danish side Midtjylland, Fonte is targeting the next level of European competition.

“It is simple our dreams, every player wants to win something at Wembley, a cup, and play in the Champions League,” he said. “And obviously for the national team, be in the Euros.”

The top four of the Premier League would be a tough nut to crack, but Fonte has looked for inspiration overseas – namely Atletico Madrid.

“Anything in life is achievable,” he said. “Obviously we know it is extremely hard but if Atletico Madrid, against Barca and Real Madrid, managed to win the title and to be in the Champions League, with a lot less resources.

“They showed anything is possible in football, if you have a great team spirit and if you do the job well.”

Fonte arrived at Saints in 2010 and is nearing 250 appearances in red and white. When he first came to the club, Saints were in League One. The Premier League was already on his mind at that point and was already convinced that Saints would return to the top-flight.

He said: “I did, otherwise I wouldn’t have moved. Yes, I did, at the time when I spoke with Nicola Cortese and the club, they showed me the vision and the ambition and the fact is, a few years after we were in the Premier League. So I kind of expected it.”

He continued: “Obviously, I’m immensely proud, but still a long way to go and we have a lot to achieve together.”

In five years, Fonte has lifted the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and helped Saints to double promotions, but which moment ranks highest?

“We have too many,” he said. “All the promotions, the Wembley trip when we won the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, so we have many many memories.”