Man Utd’s Darren Fletcher: I’m not thinking about retirement

Darren Fletcher has dismissed speculation suggesting the Manchester United midfielder is set to permanently retire due to an ulcerative colitis.

The 28-year-old has scored 23 goals in 302 appearances for the Red Devils after the Scotland international made his debut in the Champions League in March 2003.

Fletcher was forced to take an extended break from football last season following medical advice surrounding his ongoing long-term illness, with his final appearance coming against Benfica in November.

“It’s not really an option, I just want to keep playing,” Fletcher told reporters.

“I know someday I will be back. I’m only 28 years old and to talk of retirement, I’m not really thinking about that. I want to give myself every opportunity to get back.

“I’ve not started training yet but I’m just listening to the doctors and just taking my time really.

“It’s so difficult to talk about because it was such an unexpected illness. I just have to take each day as it comes and at the moment I feel like I’m capable of coming back, then I’ll try and come back.”

Fletcher is also confident Sir Alex Ferguson’s side will respond to Manchester City’s Premier League triumph in May, with the midfielder stating that winning the English title back is United’s main goal next season.

“We feel the same every season, just try and win the league,” he said. “Champions League maybe. We’ll try and win every cup we go in but the main priority is the league.

“Obviously after Man City won the league it gives us extra incentive to win it back.”

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