Belgium international Marouane Fellaini announced on Saturday that he will retire three months after his contract with China’s Shandong Taishan club expires.
“I am writing this post to announce my retirement from professional football after an 18-year career,” the 36-year-old wrote on Instagram.
The midfielder made his professional debut with Standard Liege in 2006 and moved to Everton two years later for 20 million euros (approximately 2.1 billion yen), making him the most expensive player in Belgian football history at the time.
Fellaini, whose aerial prowess and eye-catching Afro haircut made him a cult hero among Toffees fans, joined United in 2013, following the former Everton manager’s manager at Old Trafford, David Moyes. did.
He made 177 appearances and scored 22 goals during his time at United, winning the FA Cup in 2016 and the Europa League and League Cup in 2017.
Fellaini signed with China’s Shandong Taishan in 2019 but did not extend his contract in November last year. His last game was the China Cup final, where Shandong lost to Shanghai Shenhua.
Fellaini won 87 caps and scored 18 goals for Belgium, helping them to third place at the 2018 World Cup, before enjoying success in the league and cup with Shandong.
Fellaini, who also played in the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016, said: “What an incredible journey it has been! I am so grateful to have been able to play the sport I love at the highest level.”
“I am proud to have represented Standard in Belgium, Everton and Manchester United in England, and Shandong Taishan in China.
“I have played in front of some of the best fans in the world and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of them for their unwavering support throughout my career.
“As I embark on a new chapter in my life, I look forward to new challenges, but rest assured that I will continue to support this beautiful game in every way I can,” he wrote.
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