Marouane Fellaini retires from professional football

Former Manchester United and Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini has confirmed his retirement from professional football.

Fellaini has decided to hang up his boots at the age of 36 following a four-year spell in the Chinese Super League with Shandong Taishan.

In a post on Instagram, Fellaini said: "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 honour to have played for the Belgian national team at the Olympics of 2008, Euro 2016 and the World Cups of 2014 and 2018.

"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!"

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Fellaini made his name in his native Belgium with Standard Liege before transferring to Everton in 2008 after two years as a senior professional.

Known for his menace in both boxes, the imposing Fellaini became a fan favourite at Goodison Park in half a decade of service before following manager David Moyes to United. Though it was the Scot who brought him to Old Trafford, future bosses Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho both took quite a liking to Fellaini as well.

Shortly after Mourinho was replaced by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Fellaini left United to join Shandong Taishan in January 2019 for the final portion of his playing career.

In addition to 579 games and 117 goals at club level, Fellaini was also a key part of Belgium's golden generation of the mid-2010s, scoring 18 times in 87 appearances for his country.

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