Marouane Fellaini, a Belgian midfielder who played for Everton and Manchester United, has announced his retirement from professional football.

After four years with the Chinese side Shandong Taishan, Fellaini, 36, chose to terminate his 18-year playing career in November.

The big-haired Belgian international began his career at Standard Liege and went on to have long stints with Everton and United. He made 87 appearances for his national team.

“I am writing this post to announce that after a career of 18 years, I am retiring from professional football,” Fellaini wrote on Twitter.

It has been an amazing journey! It is an incredible blessing that I was able to compete at the greatest level in my beloved sport.

It gives me great pleasure to have played for Standard in Belgium, Everton and Manchester United in the United Kingdom, and Shandong Taishan in China. Being a part of the Belgian national squad throughout the 2008 Olympics, Euro 2016, and 2014 and 2018 World Cups was a privilege.

In this very moment, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the most incredible fans the world has ever seen. Their unfaltering support has been an inspiration to me for my whole career. I have always found motivation in your enthusiasm and words of encouragement.

“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.”

Before Fellaini enjoyed league and cup success with Shandong, he won the FA Cup and Europa League while playing for Manchester United. He also helped Belgium finish third at the 2018 World Cup.