Former Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini has announced his retirement from football at the age of 36.
Fellaini, who recently finished a 4-year stint at Chinese side Shandong Taishan, said on Instagram that he is bringing his 18-year playing career to an end.
Fellaini joined Standard Liege at 17 and moved up through the ranks to reach the first team at the age of 19, coming on for his debut as a substitute against Charleroi.
Just six months after his league debut, he was in the Belgian national team, representing them in the 2008 Olympic Games.
Everton had reportedly put in a bid for Fellaini in March 2008, but that was firmly rejected. However, when the Blues upped the ante to a reported €15 million, (£12.9M) there was only going to be one answer from Standard, as that sum was equal to 80% of the club’s annual budget.
It was a move that almost didn’t come off, though — Everton representatives traveled to Belgium late on deadline day, securing the signature of towering defensive midfielder Marouane Fellaini literally at the eleventh hour on 1 September 2008, and the transfer was registered with the Football Association with minutes to spare.
“I am writing this post to announce that after a career of 18 years, I am retiring from professional football,” Fellaini wrote on Instagram. “What an incredible journey it has been! I am so grateful to have played the sport I love at the highest level.”
Fellaini left Everton in 2016 to spend the next 6 years at Manchester United.