Top quotes about Marouane Fellaini

An 87-game veteran of the Belgian national football team, Fellaini appeared in two World Cup tournaments for his country, as well as competing in the English Premier League for over ten years. Known for his midfield play and his afro hairstyle, we take a look at some of the top quotes about Marouane Fellaini.

Born to Moroccan parents, Fellaini played in over a hundred league games for both Everton and Manchester United, and helped Belgium to third place in the 2018 World Cup tournament.

Having started off with several clubs early in his career, his big break came with Belgian side Standard Liege, with whom he spent three seasons, and impressed with his work-rate and heading abilities.

He joined up with Everton in 2008 after interest from other big clubs, and despite having a long list of yellow cards, became a popular player at Goodison Park with his large afro-style hair.

Before moving to Manchester United in 2013, Fellaini was named in a list of the 100 best footballers in the world, and stayed at Old Trafford for a total of six seasons, winning three major trophies along the way. His move to Chinese team Shandong Luneng came about after some limited appearances for United.

Eligible to play for either Morocco or Belgium, Fellaini chose the latter and went on to compete in international matches for 12 years, before retiring in 2019. Used mainly as a defensive midfielder at times holding up the ball for the front players, he has also taken on the role of a second striker for various teams.

“…..I would always prefer to play with him…..He is comfortable in two positions, offensive and defensive midfield…..At Liege, with every game and every day I watched him get better.”
Igor de Camargo (Standard Liege team-mate)

“…..it is a surprise even to me that Maro has become such a star…..He was good as a boy…..Marouane’s personality and character have been very important to him making it.”
Paul Schraepen (Anderlecht academy coach)

“He is a player with great ability and strength…..In any position in the middle of the field he’s comfortable.”
David Moyes (Manchester United manager)

“He had to be a strong character. He is a fighter, a guy with lots of pride and I am really pleased…..I’m really happy for him.”
Jose Mourinho (Manchester United manager)

“Maro is big and quick, so he definitely always had the physical ability to play in England…..had the legs to get forward and score with his head. For him to play up front was never going to be a problem…..what he has done is even more impressive because usually every player needs time to adapt in a new country before they play well.”
Igor de Camargo

“Marouane was not a naturally gifted player when he was younger but he was very athletic…..He would run from the beginning of games to the end – you couldn’t stop him, he was that determined.”
Paul Schraepen

“…..a strong character. He is a fighter, a guy with lots of pride…..I think Marouane has important qualities…..a defensive midfielder, as a second striker, as one of two midfielders. He is a great player. A great character.”
Jose Mourinho (Manchester United manager)

“We have one of Europe’s most exciting prospects…..He will have a huge part to play at Everton…..”
Robert Elstone (Everton acting chief executive)

“Felli has had a good first season in the Premier League…..He helped us a lot when he first came. He took the focus away from the players who weren’t quite performing at the time…..he is going to be good value. He is young, he is with us for a long time…..He is going to mature…..”
David Moyes (Everton manager)

“Marouane has been a hugely influential player for Everton since his arrival.”
Robert Elstone

“He was fantastic…..He did a great job on Fabregas.”
Robin van Persie (Manchester United team-mate, after match versus Chelsea)

“He has a very strong mentality and has coped well…..He knows he is a very important player for me.”
Jose Mourinho (Manchester United manager)