Former Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini has announced his retirement from professional football.
The 36-year-old took to Instagram on Saturday morning to share the news, reflecting on his successful playing career and thanking those who were involved in his journey.
Fellaini played 177 times for United after signing for the club from Everton in 2013, scoring 22 times and winning four trophies: the Community Shield, FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Europa League.
The ex-Belgium international, who took his first steps into pro football with Standard Liege, departed Old Trafford after a five-and-a-half-year stint in February 2019, joining Chinese Super League side Shandong Taishan - the last club he played for prior to hanging up his boots.
For his country, Marouane earned 87 senior caps, netting 18 goals and representing the Red Devils at the Olympics (2008), World Cup (2014 and 2018) and European Championship (2016).
For his country, Marouane earned 87 senior caps, netting 18 goals and representing the Red Devils at the Olympics (2008), World Cup (2014 and 2018) and European Championship (2016).
He references appearances at those major tournaments in his pride-filled social-media statement, which begins: “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.
“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! ❤️❤️❤️”
“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.
“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! ❤️❤️❤️”
Supporters and former team-mates of Fellaini’s are among those reacting to the news in the comments section.
Those to send messages include ex-Reds David De Gea, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Ander Herrera, who he shared the Old Trafford dressing room with.
David De Gea: Enjoy life brother ❤️
Timothy Fosu-Mensah: My brother what a player😢❤️❤️❤️ Habibi
Ander Herrera: Congratulations amigo and all the best for your next chapter
Congratulations on your career, Marouane! Wishing you every success in the next stage of your life.
Those to send messages include ex-Reds David De Gea, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Ander Herrera, who he shared the Old Trafford dressing room with.
David De Gea: Enjoy life brother ❤️
Timothy Fosu-Mensah: My brother what a player😢❤️❤️❤️ Habibi
Ander Herrera: Congratulations amigo and all the best for your next chapter
Congratulations on your career, Marouane! Wishing you every success in the next stage of your life.
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