Belgium international and former Manchester United footballer Marouane Fellaini has tested positive for the deadly pandemic coronavirus which has affected over 3,05,000 people worldwide, the health department of Jihan province confirmed.
Fellaini was lining up for the Chinese Super League (CSL) side Shandong Luneng and arrived by train in Jinan on March 20 when the positive test was taken, Goal.com reported.
The 32-year-old is the first CSL player to test positive for coronavirus to date.
The Belgian took to Twitter and wrote: "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."
Fellaini moved to Shandong in 2019 and enjoyed a successful first season with the club as he scored 13 goals in all competitions as his side finished fifth in the league.
Meanwhile, Italy has been the worst hit, with more than 4,000 people killed and over 47,000 infected. In Spain, the death toll jumped by more than 300 on Saturday to 1,326, while the number of confirmed cases neared 25,000. In contrast, China has reported no new local transmissions for three days, South China Morning Post reported.
Earlier, Juventus megastar Paulo Dybala and his girlfriend tested positive for the virus. Dybala became the first high-profile footballer to have contacted the virus. Italy and AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini also tested positive for the virus.
As the coronavirus outbreak gets worse around the globe, football has been unable to escape its grasp with a number of players, managers and staff testing positive.
