Former Fulham midfielder Mousa Dembele has confirmed his retirement from football after deciding not to extend his contract with Chinese Super League side Guangzhou. Dembele has been back in his native Belgium for some time considering his future and wants to spend more time with his young family.

The 34 year-old won 82 caps for Belgium between 2006 and 2018, when the Red Devils finished third at the World Cup in Russia. He was one of the most graceful footballers I’ve seen play for Fulham and starred after being converted into a deep-lying midfielder by Martin Jol. Dembele made 75 appearances for the Whites, scoring seven goals, between 2010 and 2012, having initially been bought as a striker following his outstanding performances who AZ Alkmaar, whom he helped win the Eredivisie title in 2009.

Dembele joined Tottenham for £15m in August 2012 and made 250 appearances at White Hart Lane before moving to China in 2019. Thanks for the memories Mousa and all the best in your retirement.

UPDATE: Dembele has now clarified on his personal Instagram account that he has rejected a new contract at Gunagzhou and will retire next year – rather than immediately, as initial reports claimed this morning.