Everton boss Ronald Koeman has hailed Jose Fonte's performances for Portugal as "great" during their successful Euro 2016 campaign, the Mirror reports.
Fonte, 32, did not feature for Fernando Santos' side regularly during the group stages but after Ricardo Carvalho suffered an injury, the Saints defender became a mainstay in the back four during the knockout stages and conceded just a solitary goal.
His performance against France in the final alongside Pepe, who was named man of the match, earned him high praise from many but his former manager, Ronald Koeman, feels his performances throughout the tournament were worthy of plaudits.
The two enjoyed two successful campaigns together during the Dutchman's tenure at the Saints and he has expressed his amazement at the fact Fonte only made his international debut at the age of 29.
"I know him well from our days at Southampton," said Koeman. "He's had a great tournament. Amazing to think he made his international debut at 29," he added.
Fonte, who has become the first man to win the Euros and the St Johnstone's Paint Trophy, has admitted Portugal's triumph feels like a "Hollywood movie".
"I was playing in League One a few years ago, it defies description,"? said the 32-year-old.
"This could be a Hollywood movie. We've written our names in history. This goes out to the whole nation, for the hardship we've been through and in 100 years, we'll look back on this.
He added: "We suffered as the Portuguese suffer forever, but always sought the goal. They had opportunities, but we are the winners. It is unforgettable."