Former Manchester United player Marouane Fellaini tests positive for COVID-19 in China

Marouane Fellaini. (File photo AFP)


Former Manchester United footballer Marouane Fellaini, who now plies his trade at Chinese Super League team Shandong Luneng, has tested positive for the novel coronavirus in China.

According to reports, the Belgian travelled in a train to arrive in Jinan on March 2 where his test was conducted. He has, thus, become the first CSL player to be tested positive for the COVID-19.

The 32-year-old forward moved to Shandong in 2019 before enjoying a brilliant first season with the club where he scored 13 goals in all competition.

Earlier on the day, Juventus’ star forward Paulo Dybala was also tested positive as he became the third footballer from the Italian side to catch the deadly virus, which has already killed over 13,000 people and affected more than 3,08,500 people worldwide.

Meanwhile, Dybala’s girlfriend was also diagnosed with the novel Coronavirus. The forward informed that the duo are in “perfect condition” and thanked the fans for their messages.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the sporting calendars with all the major events being either postponed or canceled.

The top-flight leagues of European football, including the English Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, have all been postponed until further notice.

The Union of European Football Association (UEFA) has also terminated the Champions League and Europa League games. The Euro 2020, which was scheduled to be played in June and July this year has been rescheduled to the summer of 2021.