Share

Choking smog and 'spring heaven': Fellaini's new home in China

Shanghai - Marouane Fellaini should brace for a culture shock at Chinese club Shandong Luneng following his move from Premier League Manchester United.

The 31-year-old - known as "Fluffy Head" in China, although he now has short hair - on Friday became the latest player to swap Europe for the Chinese Super League on big money.

AFP Sport takes a look at the Belgian international's new club and the traffic-clogged city that will be his home.

Woolly hat and sun cream

Shandong Luneng Taishan, as their full name goes, are based in Jinan, a fast-growing city of about 7.5 million people in China's east. Jinan is the capital of Shandong province.

Fellaini will need a wardrobe for all four seasons. Jinan is currently about as chilly as Manchester, but it can easily drop well below freezing. Summers will be much hotter than northern England, nudging above 30 degrees Celsius (86F).

Pollution, traffic

Many Chinese cities are plagued by traffic congestion and pollution, but those problems are acute in Jinan.

The Asian Development Bank in 2017 said rapid economic growth and urbanisation had made Jinan the most congested city in China. It is also in the top 10 most polluted.

Fellaini would do well to invest in some face masks and air purifiers, though authorities say they are trying to clean up the foul air.

'Spring under heaven'

But it's not all grim. Jinan is known for its fresh-water springs, so when he is not choking in traffic, Fellaini can get away from it all at the Baotu Spring, which was declared the "Number One Spring under Heaven" by a Qing Dynasty emperor and was beloved by ancient poets.

There is also the sacred Mount Taishan, which is on the World Heritage List and "one of the most beautiful scenic spots in China", according to UNESCO.

Fellaini will find a semblance of home at Malena Belgian Beer Bar, one of the few places in town with Western food.

Championship pedigree

Shandong Luneng are one of China's heavyweights and have won the top league four times. They were in the title hunt last season before finishing third, 10 points behind champions Shanghai SIPG, and were runners-up in the Chinese FA Cup.

Shandong's stadium holds about 60 000, but there are usually plenty of empty seats among an average crowd of about 25,000. The team play in fetching all orange.

Premier League connection

There will be a familiar face for Fellaini in the form of Italian striker Graziano Pelle, who joined from Premier League Southampton in July 2016 for 13.7 million ($17 million).

Brazilian international Diego Tardelli has been influential at Shandong for the last four years, but is now looking for a new club. At centre-back is Gil, another former Brazil player.

Shandong last season bucked the CSL trend and were the only team in the league's top six to have a Chinese coach with Li Xiaopeng, a former international.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
32% - 1843 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1810 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1100 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 470 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 193 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 261 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE