Former Manchester United midfielder, Marouane Fellaini, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 36.

Fellaini announced via a post on his Instagram page on Saturday, February 3, 2024, that he was retiring three months after the end of his contract with Chinese club, Shandong Taishan.

The 36-year-old Belgium international wrote: “I am writing this post to announce that after a career of 18 years, I am retiring from professional football.

“But it all started long before these 18 years. I remember, like the day of yesterday, my first game as a child, the endless training sessions with my dad, my first selection for Standard de Liege, and my first selection for the Belgian national team. Time flies!

“What an incredible journey it has been! I am so grateful to have played the sport I love at the highest level. I am proud to have represented Standard in Belgium, Everton and Manchester United in the UK, and Shandong Taishan in China. It was an honor to have played for the Belgian national team at the Olympics of 2008, Euro 2016 and the World Cups of 2014 and 2018.

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“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.

“All of this would have been impossible without my family, teammates, coaches, advisers and everyone who has been a part of my journey. Your love, guidance, support, and friendship have been invaluable. Thank you!

“As I embark on this new chapter in my life, I look forward to new challenges, but be assured, I will continue to support the beautiful game in any way I can.

“See you soon! ❤️❤️❤️”

Fellaini made his professional debut for Standard Liege in 2006 before moving two years later to Everton for 20 million euros ($21 million), becoming at the time the most expensive player in the history of Belgian soccer.

A cult hero with Toffees fans due to his aerial prowess and eye-catching afro haircut, Fellaini followed David Moyes to United when the former Everton boss took charge at Old Trafford in 2013.

He won the 2016 FA Cup and Europa League and League Cup – both in 2017 – during his time with United, which included 177 appearances and 22 goals.

In 2019, Fellaini signed for Shandong Taishan in China, but did not extend his contract last November. His last match was the Chinese Cup final which Shandong lost to Shanghai Shenhua.

Fellaini won 87 caps for Belgium, scoring 18 goals, and helping them finish third at the 2018 World Cup before enjoying league and cup success with Shandong.

He also featured at the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.

The Star