Southampton defender Jose Fonte has vowed to remain in peak condition so he can be fully fit when next season begins.
The 29-year-old made 28 appearances for the club over the course of the season just gone, despite losing his place to Maya Yoshida during the campaign.
However, the Portuguese wants to train hard during pre-season in order to ensure he can stake a claim for a starting place next term.
"I'm looking forward to next season, and to being a better player and improving to help this club move forward to the next level," he told the club's official website.
"I was out of the team for a couple of months with a knee injury and then because the guys (fellow defenders Yoshida and Jos Hooiveld) were playing well, but I managed to finish the season, which is pleasing."
Southampton finished 14th in the league after a season which saw the club replace Nigel Adkins with Mauricio Pochettino.
Fonte has stated he will work constantly through the summer to help the club finish higher next time around.
"I'm a workaholic – I can't just stop and get fat by doing whatever I want! I'm just going to keep being myself and going to the gym regularly," he said.
"This is my world and my job, so I'll make sure I'm ready when I come back."
