04 February 2024 , 12:51
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Jose Mourinho told Marouane Fellaini he will "never forget you gave me everything" after the Belgian announced his retirement.
The Special One and the midfielder crossed paths at Manchester United, where Mourinho was in charge for two-and-a-half seasons. It was shortly after his sacking that Fellaini moved on, joining Chinese outfit Shandong Taishan, where he'd played ever since.
Now, at the age of 36, Fellaini has opted to call time on a career that also saw him excel for Standard Liege and Everton. He posted the news on Instagram with Mourinho commenting to showcase his admiration.
He said: "I don’t forget who gave me everything he could give. You were and will always be one of mine. Congratulations on your career and rest those ankles that suffered a lot."
Fellaini himself hinted that, whilst his playing days are over, he could still find work in another footballing avenue. He wrote: "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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The Belgian moved to Manchester in 2013 after David Moyes, who signed him at Everton, opted to do the same when he became United boss. Louis van Gaal succeeded the Scot after his short-lived tenure and found plenty use for the tall Belgian, who won the FA Cup under the Dutch manager.
Fellaini continued to be a regular under Mourinho, making 47 appearance in the Special One's first year as he captured the League Cup and the Europa League. He scored nine goals in his two full seasons under the Portuguese boss.
Marouane Fellaini saw out his playing days in China (Visual China Group via Getty Images)Mourinho issued plenty of praise to Fellaini throughout their time together, underlining his importance and continued improvements. When he was in charge at Old Trafford he said: “I am very happy with him. He is one of the players that has improved from last season.
”He’s playing well in different positions. You can feel his commitment, his heart and his happiness to be at the club, and to stay at the club, and to play for the club. Clearly, he is showing that famous thing of the team being more important than one of us and he has sacrificed himself for the team.
”He is being more defensive in some matches and then being almost like a striker in others, like he was in the last match [at Old Trafford] when we needed a goal and we had one player less. I’m really happy with Marouane’s stability and performances.”