MAROUANE FELLAINI is in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus – but assures fans he is “fine”.
The former Manchester United and Everton star becomes the latest footballer struck down by the killer bug.
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Marouane Fellaini has tested positive for coronavirusCredit: Getty – Contributor
It’s understood he tested positive on Friday in the Chinese city of Jihan.
The Belgian international, 32, is currently playing in the Chinese Super League for Shandong Luneng after quitting the Premier League.
The club confirmed the news on Sunday and Fellaini himself took to Instagram to reassure fans about his health.
He wrote: “Dear friends, I have been tested for coronavirus and my test result is positive.
“Currently, I am back in China and being treated in the hospital. I can assure you that everything is fine for me now.”
He was tested after returning to China to join up with Shandong Luneng.
He did not have a fever or any symptoms and has now been placed in quarantine within the hospital.
The star becomes the first Chinese Super League player to have contracted the disease that has now killed over 13,000 people around the world.
There is currently no football being played in China, where COVID-19 originated.
The Chinese Super League, which was due to start on February 22, has been postponed indefinitely.
FOOTBALL ON HOLD
Football, like every industry, has been badly affected by the pandemic.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi and a gang of Portsmouth players are just some of those in the UK to have tested positive.
Italy has been the hardest hit nation by the virus and in the football world Milan legend Paolo Maldini is the latest to have become infected.
Meanwhile in Spain, ex Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz has died from the disease aged 76.
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Fellaini spent 12 years in the Premier League, the first six with Everton and the following six at Old Trafford.
After signing under David Moyes’s tenure, he went on to win the FA Cup, EFL Cup and Europa League during his time as a Manchester United player.
He moved to China in January 2019 in a £10.4million deal.
Fellaini spent six years at Manchester United, winning three major trophiesCredit: PA:Press Association
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
