Marouane Fellaini is one of the Premier League’s most in-demand players — on the field and off it.
The Everton star revealed that he recently moved from Liverpool to Manchester (houses not teams) because women in Liverpool were all over him, the Mail reports.
“I am living in Manchester now, because in Liverpool, the women were crawling for me,” Fellaini said. “It was too much. In Manchester, people don’t recognize me that much and tend to treat me in a more respectful way.
“I don’t want to be a star. I just want to play football.”
The domestic disruption comes as Fellaini enjoys one the finest seasons of his professional career. The Belgian midfielder has been a central figure in Everton’s promising first half of the Premier League campaign. His eight goals and four assists have put the club in contention for a top-four finish and made him a dark-horse candidate to win one of England’s player of the season awards.
The 25-year-old’s successful season has certainly brought him increased attention, but it’s not like he wouldn’t get it anyway. He is six-foot four-inches tall and sports a distinctive Afro atop his lanky frame. Let’s just say, he stands out in a crowd.
Fellaini’s decision to move homes comes amid ever-increasing speculation about his professional future. Earlier this season, he indicated that he wants to play in the UEFA Champions League and that he might seek a transfer to a new club. However, his transfer stance may have softened recently.
“I have a contract with Everton until 2016, and, if the club want, I will see that out,” he said. “I know I am hot, and I want to move forward one day, but I will finish my Everton contract if they want me to.”
Everton could sell him in January, but it’s much more likely that any transfer will happen after the 2012-13 season.
For now, Fellaini will keep his head down (out of the way of overly attentive women and Stoke City defenders) and focus on the immediate task of helping Everton reach its goals. A more serene life off the field should help him hit his own targets as well.
Maybe we should spare a thought for him in this new year. It isn’t so easy being young, rich, famous and good-looking. At least, it isn’t in Liverpool.
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Photo via Facebook/Marouane Fellaini
