Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher admits he was ‘blown away’ to be mentioned by name in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final speech as United manager.
The 29-year-old Scot, who has been out of the game with a chronic bowel disease since November 2011, was one of only two player Fergie mentioned by name. Paul Scholes being the other.
Fletcher has recently reiterated his desire to fight back from illness in order to reclaim his spot in United’s team; and with Sir Alex in his corner the combative midfielder believes he can do just that.
“I wasn’t there that day. I was watching it with my dad on TV. I was just blown away,” Fletcher told the press at Hampden Park.
“For him, at that moment, to take the time to think and to speak of me was fantastic and it just shows the measure of the man.
“It was just one of those moments that shocks you because you just do not expect it. It was emotional.
“More than anything it gave me a great determination to come back.”
Despite Sir Alex retiring at the end of last season Fletcher has revealed that the legendary manager is still partial to giving motivational speeches.
“I had a phone call from him a few weeks back. These moments are inspirational – there is no other way to describe it.
“When he speaks to you, he is not speaking as someone who is my manager any longer. He is speaking as someone who cares, and who believes in me as well. It was a pep talk – he just can’t help himself!
“When he says things like that it gives me great confidence and belief in getting back – and not only getting back but getting back to a level I believe I am capable of being at.”
As well as a legendary manager Fletcher also has his two young children in his corner that inspire him to make a spectacular comeback.
The Scotland international had an operation in January to try to cure the persistent problem that has blighted his recent career.
Despite being back running Fletcher hasn’t had any contact on a football field and yearns for the day when that changes.
“My kids want to see their dad playing for Scotland and Manchester United again,” he said.
“They are upset that my FIFA rating has dropped. They keep saying to me, ‘Why are you only 79 Dad?’ and I keep telling them I used to have a good rating but I’ve not played for a while.
“I used to be an 82 or an 83. So I need to get back playing!
“They are six now and they’re really starting to understand and enjoy football so that’s another big thing for me. I want them to be coming to places like Hampden to watch their dad play.”
Fletcher can’t put a timescale on his recovery but he is committed to getting back and proving his doubters wrong.
“I’m already out running but I am in the hands of the surgeon just now and waiting for the all-clear to start physical work,” Fletcher said.
“Hopefully, that will come over the next few weeks. I have to be positive about the situation.
“I fully believe I will be back to the level I was at before. I know there will be doubters out there.
“But once I come through this I will be looking to prove people wrong.”
Image courtesy of Gordon Flood, with thanks
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