Belgium midfielder Marouane Fellaini on Friday announced his retirement from international soccer. With this announcement, he ends a 12-year career with the national team.

The midfielder, who left United in January for Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng, made his debut for his country against the Czech Republic in February 2007, with his final appearance coming against France in last summer's World Cup semi-final.

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Fellaini scored 18 goals in 87 appearances for Belgium and represented them at two World Cups, helping them finish third in Russia last year.

Announcing his retirement through Twitter. he wrote, "After 12 years of representing Belgium at the highest level, I have decided to retire from senior international football.’ He furtehr added, "I feel the time is right for me to step down and allow the next generation of players to continue this very successful period in Belgian football history . I have many amazing memories... and I am very proud Belgium is currently number one in the FIFA rankings."

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The 31-year-old joined the Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng in February, ending a five-and-a-half-year spell at Premier League side Manchester United. He scored the winning goal on his CSL debut against Beijing Renhe this month.