Former Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini has become the first Chinese Super League player to test positive for the coronavirus, according to reports.
The Belgian international, who currently plays for Shandong Luneng, is said to have arrived by train in Jinan on Friday, when a positive test was taken.
The Chinese Super League (CSL) is yet to begin its season, with the original February 22 kick-off postponed because of the virus. No new date has been confirmed, with some claiming it could begin in May as China continues to report a dramatic decrease in diagnosed cases.
Fellaini, 32, moved to Shandong in 2019, ending his five-and-a-half year spell with United. At Old Trafford, he won the Europa League, the FA Cup and the League Cup. Previous to that, Fellaini spent five seasons at Everton.
Meanwhile, Juventus forward Paulo Dybala confirmed on social media on Saturday that he had become the latest player from the club to test positive, following centre-back Daniele Rugani and France World Cup winner Blaise Matuidi.
"Hi everyone, I just wanted to inform you that we have received the results for the Covid-19 test and both [partner] Oriana and I have tested positive," the 26-year-old posted. "Luckily we are in perfect condition. Thanks for your messages."
Dybala’s girlfriend, Oriana Sabatini, is an Argentine singer, actress and model, and the niece of former tennis player Gabriela Sabatini.
Later on Saturday, it was confirmed that former Italy captain Paolo Maldini and his son Daniel has also both tested positive.
In a statement released by AC Milan, where Maldini now serves as technical director, the club said father and son “are well”. Daniel Maldini, 18, had been training with the Milan first team, with the club saying he and his father had spent the past two weeks in self-isolation at home. Milan said they would remain in quarantine “until clinically recovered”.
