Former Manchester United and Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini has announced retirement from professional football at 36 years.
The Belgian international concluded his career with Chinese club Shandong Taishan, where he played for five seasons following his departure from Old Trafford in 2019.
Fellaini had revealed his departure from the Chinese Super League club at the end of last year, marking his final appearance in the Chinese FA Cup final against Shanghai Shenhua in November.
However, he has now decided to hang up his boots officially, and retire from the sport.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the midfielder expressed gratitude to each of his former clubs and their fans.
Fellaini who also played for the Belgian national team at the Olympics of 2008, Euro 2016 and the World Cups of 2014 and 2018, said “I have played in front of the best fans in the world, and I want to take this moment to thank all of them for their unwavering support throughout my career.
“Your encouragement and passion have been a constant source of inspiration for me,” he added, “all of this would have been impossible without my family, teammates, coaches, advisers and everyone who has been a part of my journey.”
