Marouane Fellaini has announced his retirement and Jose Mourinho has thanked him for his hard work at Manchester United

Former Manchester United and Everton Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini has announced his retirement at the age of 36, after leaving the Red Devils to play for Shandong Taishan in the Chinese Super League for four years, leaving at the end of his contract last November, and now officially hanging up his boots to end his playing career.

Fellaini wrote on social media: "I am writing this statement to announce that I will be retiring after 18 years of professional service. Actually, my connection with football had already existed before that. I remember just like yesterday, my first game as a child, endless training with my father, my first selection to Standard Liege, my first selection to Belgium, and how quickly time flies! 」

In his retirement statement, Fellaini also thanked Manchester United. "I'm proud to play for Standard Liege, Everton and Manchester United, as well as Shandong Taishan in the Chinese Super League. It was an honour to represent Belgium at the 2008 Olympics, Euro 2016 and the 2014 and 2018 World Cups. 」

Marouane Fellaini concluded by thanking his family, fans, manager and team-mates for their support. "I play in front 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, and this encouragement and enthusiasm has been a source of inspiration for me. None of this would have been possible without my family, teammates, coaches, agents, and everyone involved in this journey. Your love, guidance, support, and friendship are priceless. As I embark on a new chapter in my life, I look forward to new challenges. But rest assured, I will continue to participate in this beautiful sport to the best of my ability. See you soon!"

After Fellaini announced his retirement, Jose Mourinho, who had worked with him at Manchester United, paid tribute to him personally. On his account, Mourinho posted a classic photo with the Belgium international celebrating the goal and said: "I will never forget someone who did his best for me, you were and will always be my player. Congratulations on your illustrious career, and now give your tortured ankles a good rest. 」

Fellaini's former Manchester United team-mate Scott McTominay also praised Mourinho's comments. During the Portuguese madman's more than two years in charge of Manchester United, Fellaini made a significant contribution to him, notably winning the Europa League in 2017 and helping the Red Devils achieve the 'Grand Slam'. In the final against Ajax, Jose Mourinho's main tactic was to play the fulcrum role of the "unkempt head", and the Dutchman could not do anything about it.

Before being sold to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Fellaini spent five and a half years at Manchester United, making 177 appearances. In 2016, he helped the Red Devils win the FA Cup, followed by the League Cup and Europa League the following year.

At Manchester United, Marouane Fellaini may be the most despised "eternal grievance", and he has been repeatedly ridiculed during his time in service, but he has always been desperate, only because the Belgian international is a player brought in by Moyes, and he has to take the blame. But there are also a number of Red Devils fans who recognise the spirit of Marouane Fellaini, who not only has world-class skills above the chest, but also a never-give-up attitude that is perfectly in line with the club's tradition. Manchester United's legendary goalkeeper David De Gea, midfielders Andel Herrera and Jesse Lingard and others also wished Fellaini a happy life after retiring.