Marouane Fellaini has blasted Manchester United for hesitating to offer him a new deal – and warned it will cost them £50million to replace him.
The Belgium international has also revealed he would happily pursue his career in China if United fail to offer him a suitable contract.
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Midfielder Fellaini will be a free agent this summer after moving to Old Trafford from Everton for £27.5m in 2013.
The 30-year-old came on to score the Red Devils’ winner as they beat Arsenal 2-1 on Sunday and is now in talks with club chiefs about extending his stay.
Fellaini said: “I went to see the manager last year, and said I wanted a new contract. I then had a second meeting, but I’m not going to ask ten times.
“Since then I have become important for the team – and it costs £50m minimum to buy a good new player.
“So the club knew they made a mistake with me.
“I am now 30, at the end of my contract, and in talks with United. Many other clubs have shown interest in me, and I will wait to see what happens.
“I would have no problem with living in China. I like discovering new places and cultures, and I would not go alone – my family would go with me.”
However Fellaini held out an olive branch to boss Jose Mourinho in an interview with Belgium’s Sport Voetbal Magazine.
However Fellaini held out an olive branch to boss Jose Mourinho in an interview with Belgium’s Sport Voetbal Magazine.
The midfielder said: “Manchester may be a grey place, but let’s not forget that I am at one of the biggest clubs in the world.
“Things are going well, I know my team-mates and the staff perfectly and everyone respects me.
“Why should I change? There is no point in me rushing or accepting just any offer – I’m feeling good at the moment.
“The entire staff is doing everything to make me stay. The club didn’t extend my contract last year.
“But now I am in a strong position, especially as Jose Mourinho said that he wants to keep me.”
Discussing his relationship with Mourinho, who stuck by him when sections of the Old Trafford crowd didn’t, he added: “I get on well with Mourinho. He trusts me and knows what I can give to the team.
“Whether I am on the field for ten, 15 or 20 minutes he knows I will give everything, win possession and help the team get upfield.
“The United fans attacked me once, but people exaggerate it. It was when I came on against Tottenham a week after conceding a penalty against Everton.
“But they and I both know that I have played an important role in all the trophies United have won in recent years.”
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