Southampton defender Jose Fonte has admitted that he will need "time to heal" after his training ground confrontation with Pablo Osvaldo.

The Saints' club record signing scored three goals in 13 appearances before moving on loan to Juventus after five months at the South Coast club, and Fonte believes that the decision to release Osvaldo was the 'best thing' that could have happened to the Premier League team.

"There have been a couple of text messages, apologising and stuff, but some things take time to heal," the Portuguese defender told Sky Sports News.

"Yeah, he left, obviously he left for a reason, and it was for the best for the team and the club. We move on, I've moved on and he has surely moved on as well, so everything is all right."

The Italy striker was suspended by Southampton following the training ground altercation with Fonte.