Speaking at the launch of a fund-raising initiative, United for Colitis, Manchester Unitedai??i??s Darren Fletcher came clean about the illness that nearly ended his career.
Suffering from ulcerative colitis condition, a form of inflammatory bowel disease, the thirty year old midfielder nearly missed two complete seasons as he underwent multiple surgical procedures which enabled him to make his comeback this season.
One of the most common symptoms of this illness is constant diarrhoea and Fletcher admitted that he had to hide the illness at the club, often resorting to making excuses for his frequent trips to the bathroom.
ai???I stayed silent until about 2011 or 2012, because it’s not something you generally talk about, the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. My close family and friends knew, but nobody else knew at the club.ai???
“I found it very difficult making up stories, reasons why I wasn’t at training, why I was looking ill, why I was rushing off to the bathroom. I found that very difficult, making up stories and basically lying to people’s faces.ai???
The Manchester United midfielder spoke about his harrowing experiences with the illness, admitting that he initially undermined its effects. Being a Manchester United player, he believed it led him to feel invincible. Though he managed the early symptoms, it wasnai??i??t until 2010 that his real struggle with the illness began.
Worried about the public reaction to his illness, Fletcher hid his personal battle with ulcerative colitis, making excuses for his absence and illness.
“I was worried about fans, team-mates, banter, all that side of things, but I tell you, everyone has been fantastic; United supporters, away fans, everyone has been so respectful towards me.ai???
It was only when he decided to come clean with the illness that he found some solidarity along with peace of mind.
“Once I started talking about it and made it public knowledge, it was such a relief, it was the best thing I did. Although I still suffered with the symptoms, it did help me a lot.ai???
Often elevated to a pedestal by fans and pundits, this is not the first time a sports-person has succumbed to confront the harsh realities of life. Having finally come to terms with the illness, the Manchester United midfielder is now raising awareness regarding this problem and is using his status as a professional footballer to spread the word.
ai???I’ve had so many letters from mums, dads and children, about how easy it’s made their lives, the fact they can go to school and, instead of having to explain ulcerative colitis, they can simply say ‘I’ve got the same illness as Darren Fletcher’.ai???
Having recovered from this illness, Fletcher has made 8 appearances this season and is slowly crawling his way back to the first team squad. 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