Soccer:Manchester United have confirmed that midfielder Darren Fletcher will take an extended break from football due to health reasons.
A statement on the Manchester United website says Fletcher is suffering from ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition, but that his “absences from the team in recent times have been attributed to a viral illness in order to respect his right to medical confidentiality”.
The statement continued: “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”.
Fletcher made only one start for United last term after March 1st and was an unused substitute for the 3-1 Champions League final defeat to Barcelona.
He has made 10 appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils during the current campaign, with the last coming on November 22nd.
Fletcher, the Scotland captain, has also played for his country in four Euro 2012 qualifiers this season.
Scotland boss Craig Levein said: “I am obviously absolutely devastated for Darren because I know how hard he has worked to get back to playing regularly for his club and country.
“He is one of the most inspirational players I have had the pleasure of working with and on behalf of his Scotland team-mates and my backroom staff I sincerely hope this time off, allied to the support of his family, will enable him to make a full recovery.
“Darren has shown tremendous dedication and fortitude, demonstrated by his ability to overcome this illness and perform at the highest level for Manchester United and Scotland.
“I spoke with Sir Alex Ferguson and Darren this week and the most important thing at this stage is for the player to be given time to rest and recuperate.
“Nobody is more committed to his country’s cause than our captain. He is a central part of our plans for the World Cup 2014 qualifiers but at this stage his health is paramount and I would like to reiterate the best wishes of everyone at involved with the national team and the Scottish FA.”
