Darren Fletcher Announces ‘Extended Break’ From Football Due To Chronic Illness
By Chris Wright
Manchester United have just announced that Darren Fletcher will be taking an ‘extended break’ from football on health grounds connected to the stomach illness that he has been suffering with for months on end and which has seen him limited to making just 11 first-team starts since March this year.
The following statement has just gone up on the club’s official site:
“On behalf of Darren Fletcher, Manchester United wishes to announce that he is taking an extended break from football for health reasons. Over the past year he has had several absence periods which we have attributed to a viral illness in order to respect his right to medical confidentiality.
“Darren has, in fact, been suffering from ulcerative colitis (a chronic inflammatory bowel condition) for some time preceding this.
“Whilst he was able to maintain remission of symptoms for a considerable period this has proved more difficult recently and Darren’s continued desire to play and his loyalty to both his club and country has probably compromised the chances of optimising his own health and fitness.
“He has therefore accepted medical advice to take an extended break from the demands of training and playing in order to afford the best chance possible of achieving full remission once again.”
That, whatever it is, sounds nasty. I mean, we knew Fletch was a hardy, dedicated soul if ever there were, but playing and training day-in, day-out with a chronic illness is something else. What an absolute chieftain.
Get well soon Fletch.
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My best wishes to the Red Devil workhorse.
Damn shame for a player who was coming into his own at club and country level in the past couple years, and seems to be a genuinely nice bloke too.
Another midfielder…..Fergie going to spend now ??
Quality player – Man Utd’s midfield is significantly worse off without him. Hope he gets back to full fitness.
@Sultan: I think both you and I know the answer to that question.
When C. Ronaldo left he really stepped his game up and let that mid, my fav player at United. I bet a lot of United fans are really wishing for Snijder now….
poor bastard. i’ve had UC since i was 8, being a drummer is hard enough some days but being a pro footballer is pushing it, glad he’s taking the time he needs. The work rate he’s always had considering he’ll only be getting around 20% of the energy from food and sleep when compared to regular folk is a feat in itself. good luck boyo. Liverpool fan.
An amazing footballer and even better professional. Best wishes Fletch; get well soon mate.
Best Wishes, Fletch. What a hero. Really hope things get better for him
That’s unjust. Good luck Darren.
UC is properly debilitating and can be extremely painful. I hope he does get remission. Wouldnt wish it on anyone.