Former Roma boss Jose Mourinho posted a heartfelt tribute to Marouane Fellaini after the ex-Manchester United star announced his retirement from football.
Marouane Fellaini was brought to Old Trafford in 2013 by former Manchester United manager David Moyes and was quite a divisive player among Red Devils supporters.
Despite being a polarising figure for fans, the 36-year-old former United midfielder spent five-and-a-half seasons at Old Trafford after his move from Everton.
Fellaini was used by ex-United managers Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho, with the former Everton star later falling down the pecking order under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Belgian ex-midfielder went on to sign for Chinese Super League side Shandong Taishan in 2019 and would leave the club in 2023.
Fellaini’s future was up in the air after his departure from Shandong Taishan and the former United man appeared to rule out immediate retirement from football.
Mourinho reacts to Fellaini’s retirement
Marouane Fellaini on Saturday announced that he would call it time on his playing career, only months after his exit from the Chinese Super League.
Ex-Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho would not be afraid to turn to the former Belgium international during his two-and-a-half seasons at Old Trafford.
Mourinho, who was sacked by Roma last month, was an admirer of the former Shandong Taishan player and sent a heartfelt message to him after his retirement.
“I don’t forget who gave me everything he could give,” he wrote on Instagram.
“You were and will always be one of mine. Congratulations on your career and rest those ankles that suffered a lot.”
Mourinho also left a comment on Fellaini’s retirement post on Instagram, with the ‘Special One’ sharing two heart emojis alongside a crying face emoji.
Fellaini confirms retirement from football
Fellaini’s former United teammates, including David de Gea and Jesse Lingard, were among those who paid tribute to the former Belgium midfielder after his retirement.
Speaking in a heartfelt Instagram post, the former United and Everton player spoke about his “proud” experience of signing for the Red Devils in his career.
Fellaini added that he is about to “embark on this new chapter” in his life and will look “forward to new challenges” amid his continued support for football.
“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,” he wrote to his followers.
“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!”
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