Marouane Fellaini is the latest high-profile footballer to have been diagnosed with coronavirus.
The ex-Belgian international's Chinese Super League club Shandong Luneng have confirmed that the 32-year-old has tested positive for COVID-19.
Fellaini presented without a fever and had reportedly demonstrated no clear symptoms of the virus. He becomes the first player in China's top flight to have been diagnosed with the illness that has caused a global pandemic.
Belgian football player Marouane Fellaini of Shandong Luneng Taishan F.C. celebrates after scoring a goal during the 30th round match of Chinese Football Association Super League (CSL) against Beijing Sinobo Guoan in Beijing, China, 1 December 2019. Beijing Sinobo Guoan defeated Shandong Luneng Taishan with 3-2.Like many other leagues around the globe, the Chinese Super League has been postponed indefinitely while coronavirus continues to grip the world. The league had been scheduled to commence on February 22nd.
Fellaini, who signed for Shandong Luneng from Manchester United in January 2019, had returned to China last Friday to rejoin his teammates and has since been diagnosed with the virus.
Manchester United's Marouane Fellaini (right) and Manchester City's John Stones (left) battle for the ball during the Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester.The former Everton and Standard Liege midfielder will now be placed in self-isolation while recovering.
Fellaini, capped 80 times by his country, is the latest high-profile player to have been diagnosed with COVID-19, following Paulo Dybala's confirmation on Saturday that he had tested positive for the virus.
Dear friends, I have been tested for coronavirus and my test result is positive. Thanks to the fans, medical staff and the club for their care and attention. I will follow the treatment and hope to return to the game as soon as possible. Please everyone stay safe.❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/xTczNLoz1w
— Marouane Fellaini (@Fellaini) March 22, 2020
On Sunday Fellaini posted on his Twitter account for the first time since June of last year, confirming the news and taking the time to thank those who have helped him, saying:
"Dear friends, I have been tested for coronavirus and my test result is positive. Thanks to the fans, medical staff and the club for their care and attention.
I will follow the treatment and hope to return to the game as soon as possible. Please everyone stay safe."
Since then, the Belgian's old employers have sent their regards, via social media.
Get well soon, @Fellaini — stay strong 💪 https://t.co/KDzx171lbu
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 22, 2020
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