Marouane Fellaini at the 2018 World Cup for Belgium

Former Manchester United and Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini has announced his retirement from international football.

The 31-year-old, who is currently playing in the Chinese Super League for Shandong Luneng Taishan, has featured for Belgium for 12 years including as part of the team that finished third at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Fellaini played a total of 87 times for Belgium and scored his 18th and final international goal in their 3-2 win over Japan in the last 16 of last summer's tournament.

In a statement released on his official Twitter account, Fellaini said: "After 12 years of representing Belgium at the highest level, I have decided to retire from senior international football.

"It has not been an easy decision for me and not one I take lightly however I feel that the time is right for me to step down and allow the next generation of Belgian players to continue this very successful period in Belgian football history.

"It has been an honour to represent my country 87 times and to be part of two World Cups and a European Championship campaign for Belgium.

"I have many amazing memories with the Red Devils from my debut in 2007 to last year's World Cup in Russia and I am very proud Belgium is currently No 1 in FIFA's world rankings.

"I want to thank all those who have been part of my international career especially my team-mates, many of whom will be friends for life and all the coaches I have worked with.

"I would like to also thanks all the Belgian fans who have travelled the world to support us. I wish the manager and the squad every success for the upcoming European Qualifiers. Thank you Belgium."