Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has taken an "extended break" from football for health reasons, the club have confirmed.
The 27-year-old has been forced to miss several matches over the past year with what was described by United as a viral illness in order to respect his right to medical confidentiality.
However, it has now been revealed that the Scotland captain has been suffering from ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition, for a number of months.
"While 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," read a statement on the club's official website.
"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.
"We request that his privacy is respected and hope that the removal of the additional stress associated with speculation regarding his health will also aid his recovery."
No date has been given as to when Fletcher may return.
Liam Apicella
