The almost thirty-year-old footballer lost nearly two years of his career with Manchester United and the Scotland national team due to the inflammatory bowel disease that affected him and eventually required surgery. Following the operation, he made a full recovery and managed to regain his place in the Manchester United squad. Fletcher admitted that he initially lied to his teammates about his condition because it was extremely difficult for him to reveal the truth. “I remember when I was first diagnosed, I was indifferent and didn’t give it the importance it deserved,” said Fletcher. “Looking back now, I think that was quite immature of me, but I was a professional footballer playing in the Premier League for Manchester United. I felt on top of the world and believed nothing could touch me.” “Looking back now, I want people who are diagnosed with IBD in the future to take it very seriously and understand the impact the disease can have on their lives. “I remember that at first the symptoms were very mild and had no real effect on my life or my career. “It wasn’t until the symptoms returned in 2010 that my real battle with Ulcerative Colitis began. Eventually,......