Jose Fonte has insisted he is "fully committed" to Southampton despite being a transfer target for Manchester United during the summer window.
Fonte was asked about the subject by the media when he reported for international duty with Portugal.
He responded by saying: "Let's leave that for another time" and added that he had ambitions to play in the Champions League and win a trophy.
But the 32-year-old then released a statement on his Facebook page, which said: "To make it perfectly clear to everyone that might have some difficulty understanding, I am a Southampton player and proudly have been since 2010.
"Understand that once I step on the pitch with the Saints shirt and armband, I give my blood, sweat and tears for the club and always will, no matter what you read or think.
"My professionalism means everything to me, and no one can point me a finger about it. I am fully committed to succeed with my two teams, Southampton and Portugal."
Having needed time to recover from Euro 2016, when he played for Portugal in their final win over France, Fonte has featured just twice for his club.
He played in both the defeat to United at Old Trafford and the home draw against Sunderland.