I’M POSITIVE. FORMER UNITED STAR IS FIRST CHINESE LEAGUE PLAYER TO HAVE THE VIRUS

MAROUANE FELLAINI has become the first player in the Chinese Super League to test positive for the coronavirus.

The former Manchester United and Everton midfielder, now with Shandong Luneng, said he hoped “to return to the game as soon as possible”.

According to reports from China, where the virus broke out in the province of Wuhan in December, Fellaini, 32, is in isolation at Jinan hospital which specialises in infectious diseases. The Belgium star moved to China last year after 11 seasons in the Premier League. Brazilian striker Dori, who plays for second division side Meizhou Hakka, was confirmed as having the virus last week, while Spain-based

China international

Wu Lei is recovering from the condition.

Fellaini was tested after returning to China to join up with his club and it is understood he did not have a fever or any symptoms, but has since been placed in quarantine within the hospital. He wrote on Twitter: “Dear friends, I have been tested for coronavirus and my test result is positive. “Thanks to the fans, medical staff and the club for their care and attention.

“I will follow the treatment and hope to return to the game as soon as possible. Please everyone stay safe.”

There is no football being played in China, with the Super League, which was due to start on February 22, having been postponed indefinitely.

Spain are mourning the death of former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz (left) after he contracted the virus.

Sanz, 76, who was in charge at the Bernabeu from 1995 to 2000, had been admitted to hospital with a fever and tested positive for the virus.

Real won six trophies during his time as president of the Spanish giants, including the Champions League in 1998 and 2000.