Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini has, after dithering for the better part of the year, put pen to paper on a two-year extension on Friday.
“Manchester United is delighted to announce that Marouane Fellaini has signed a new contract which will keep him at the club until June 2020, with the option to extend for a further year,” a club statement read.
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The gangly Belgian, currently on World Cup duty with the Belgian Red Devils, has never been a popular figure at Old Trafford and was effectively a free agent from July 1 onwards had he not signed the contract extension.
Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain were said to be keen on acquiring the services of the Belgian, who had sensationally claimed last year that he had been treated unfairly during his time in England.
Brought in as the marquee signing during the ill-fated David Moyes era in 2013, the 6’4 central midfielder quickly established himself as a squad player.
Utilised by a succession of managers as a one-man wrecking ball, the 30-year-old has made over 150 appearances for United and current incumbent Jose Mourinho rates him highly.
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“I am pleased to be continuing my journey as a Manchester United player. I made this decision because I am very happy here. Also, I feel like this team, under Jose, still has a lot we want to achieve,” Fellaini stated upon signing the extension.
Over the course of four seasons at the Theatre of Dreams, Fellaini scored 20 times for the Manchester giants and has lifted the FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Europa League and the Community Shield.
Mourinho was visibly happy as he said, “I am very happy Marouane is staying with us. I always believed in his desire to stay with the club and I am delighted that he has signed a new contract.”
