As the 2023 Chinese Super League season came to an end, the Harbour Team locked up the championship title in advance, ending the suspense and signaling the end of Taishan's championship campaign. Although it is acceptable for Taishan to finish 3-5 rounds ahead of schedule, the team's performance has not improved compared to last year's. Last year, the team was able to hold on until at least the end of the season, but the team's performance has declined. While last year's team managed to hang on at least until the final round of the season, this season they went out early, with five points separating them from Seaport. Had it not been for Harbour's occasional mistakes in the schedule, it would have been difficult for Tarzan to win the championship a few rounds ahead of schedule. In view of this, Taishan need to optimize their squad if they want to stay competitive.
Not only did Taishan's squad suffer, but they also lost the team's top player. The club had declared that it would hold a farewell ceremony for Fellaini in the season finale. However, it was widely interpreted as an omen to leave Taishan or the Chinese Super League. Surprisingly, in less than 24 hours, the plot was reversed. 3 p.m. on November 3, Taishan and Henan team press conference, Choi Kang-hee confirmed Fellaini's farewell game, and thanked him for his hard work.
However, Choi Kang-hee also expressed his regret, noting that this farewell match not only marked Fellaini's farewell to the CSL, but also his decision to retire. Choi revealed that he respected Fellaini's decision to retire, and Fellaini thus became the first foreigner to retire from the CSL in 2023. Sad to see such an outstanding player leave the pitch. 34-year-old Fellaini made his debut with Belgian giants Standard Day before moving to the Premier League, playing for Everton and Manchester United, who provided him with the space to grow rapidly and win the FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League with them.
At the national team level, Fellaini has played for Belgium at all levels and made his national team debut in 2007. As of now, he has made 87 appearances for the national team, contributing 18 goals. His finest moment was undoubtedly leading the Belgian national team to a third-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Fellaini has been fully committed to training and playing since joining Taishan. He spent five seasons at Taishan, helping the team win a total of four titles, including the 2021 Chinese Super League title and three consecutive FA Cup titles from 2020 to 2022. Fellaini became one of the most outstanding foreigners in Taishan's history and was a fan favorite.
