Belgian footballer Marouane Fellaini is preparing for his third season in the Chinese Super League (CSL). The 33-year-old made the move from Manchester United in 2019 and has scored 21 goals in 57 games. He helped Shandong Taishan, formerly known as Shandong Luneng, reach the Chinese Football Association (CFA) Cup final in his first season and win the title last year.
"For me, Shandong is always in the top five. This year we have to fight for the title. Last year we won the [CFA] Cup, I think it is good for the team ... and all the players were happy," Fellaini said. "This year we have to fight against Guangzhou Evergrande because most of time they are champions in China. ... We have to be ready and give everything."
Marouane Fellaini and teammates of Shandong Luneng lift the CFA Cup trophy after Shandong beat Jiangsu 2-0 in the final in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China, December 19, 2020. /CFP
In 2019, 31-year-old Fellaini joined CSL side Shandong over a move to China that landed him 9.5 million British pounds per year after tax, after the Belgian footballer had been facing a lack of game time under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United. The former Man United standout has been impressed by the CSL's facilities and fans since he arrived in Shandong.
"It's amazing and the facilities are top," Fellaini said. "For example, the massive stadium that could seat 60,000 people. Not every team in the world can have this kind of stadium."
Last July, the Belgian midfielder put his name in the world football headlines as his quick-fire hat-trick of headers within eight minutes saw his Shandong side claim a 3-2 win against Rafael Benitez's Dalian Pro in their CSL 2020 debut.
"We were losing 1-0 but it was an amazing comeback. I think it was about the victory and it is always good to score, for me it is a bonus," Fellaini said.
Marouane Fellaini scores a hat-trick of headers in eight minutes to earn Shandong Luneng a dramatic comeback victory over Dalian Pro, July 27, 2020. /CFP
Recently, Fellaini is being linked with a return to England as Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho has requested his signing and hopes to welcome him this summer as a free agent. But Fellaini is enjoying his career in China despite problems created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I am enjoying it until my body says stop. I am enjoying the life here," Fellaini said. "Since the pandemic, it's not easy to go back to Europe. So to see family and friends is difficult. But I will enjoy every moment. [My] career is short and this year I will be 34. So, I try to enjoy every moment in football because life goes fast."
(Cover: Marouane Fellaini of Shandong Luneng celebrates after scoring a goal against Shenzhen FC during their CSL game in Jinan, Shandong Province, China, July 21, 2019. /CFP)