Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher insists he never had any doubts that he would return to playing and is confident his fitness issues are now behind him.
Fletcher made a welcome return to action as a substitute in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa after making his last appearance on Boxing Day last year.
The Scotland international was restricted to just 13 appearances last season as he battled with a chronic bowel condition which has plagued him for the last two years.
Fletcher, who was forced to take an extended break from playing after being diagnosed with the bowel condition in November 2011, now believes he is fully over his fitness problems and is determined to kick-start his career again.
“This is it, I’m back for good,” Fletcher told MUTV. “This is hopefully the game which means I’m back now.
“I seem to have come through the setbacks and health issues and I’m thankful for that. It’s onwards and upwards now.
“I always believed I would come back, I kept that mindset. I think other people around me were trying to make me think otherwise, but I stayed strong and believed I would get back.”
Fletcher added: “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve wanted to play football. I’ve been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to play for Manchester United and wasn’t going to give that up lightly.
“I battled through it, and I’m only 29 years old, I think I’ve got plenty more years of playing left in me.
“I could have a career all over again if I get my health right, and hopefully that’s what I’m going to do.
“I’m still building up my fitness, but I don’t want to take it easy. I’ve done enough of that, and I want to be involved, to get us back to where I know we should be.”
Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂
