Ivo Pinto has revealed his parting with Norwich City was the hardest of his career to process emotionally. 

The Portuguese full back departed Carrow Road in 2019 and was a popular figure during his spell in Norfolk, where he made 95 appearances after signing from Dinamo Zagreb three years earlier. 

Norwich opted to permit Pinto to depart at the end of his contract after title success under Daniel Farke, leading to emotional scenes on the pitch at Villa Park as the defender bid farewell to supporters. 

He has subsequently made a home for himself at Dutch side Fortuna Sittard but still regularly engages with City fans and sends messages of goodwill to his former club via social media channels. 

Pinto is incredibly proud that he is fondly remembered by the vast majority of his former clubs, with a particular fondness for the relationship he shares with Canaries supporters. 

 "I can say that I left a good impression at the clubs I've been at," Pinto told the Record. "I've always given my life for the shirts I've worn.

"I've left strong relationships with fans, staff and players... Norwich, emotionally, was the hardest place to leave. The fans love me and I get an extraordinary welcome when I go there. I give my all, and the fans feel that.

"I'm on my way to Fortuna Sittard being the club I've played for the longest. If there's a chance I can stay, I'll stay. The club is like a family to me, I love it. My future is here, as long as I can help as captain and as long as the club wants me to stay."

Ivo Pinto bid farewell to Norwich City back in 2019. Ivo Pinto bid farewell to Norwich City back in 2019. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Pinto is now captain at Sittard in the Eredivisie and, despite turning 35 during the upcoming campaign, still believes he has plenty in the tank to continue to play at the highest level possible. 

"Here there are many players who are 34, 35, 36 years old. They look at performance and what the player can give to the team," Pinto said. 

"I believe that balance is essential. I take care of myself, I do a lot of extra work and avoid overtraining. I never stop during the holidays, I do reinforcement and prevention. I'm fighting age."