Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has written an emotional note to fans explaining how he was forced to play through pain due to his determination to perform for his club.
The 23-year-old needed painkillers to help him deal with a shoulder injury he has been carrying for several months now, but he has now confirmed that he will miss the start of the 2021/22 season to undergo surgery and fix the problem once and for all. .
Rashford will undergo shoulder surgery / Michael Steele / Getty Images
The fact that Rashford continuously delayed the operation to play when he was obviously not entirely suitable left some fans frustrated, but the Englishman took to Twitter to explain exactly why he interrupted the operation.
“When I was 11, Manchester United helped me and my family out of a really difficult situation,” he wrote. “I will always feel indebted. When the club needs me I will be there. Every role I can play to help my boys club I will do it. Even to my detriment.
“After being away from the game after recovering from the double stress fracture and spending a lot of time away from teammates and staff who had been a part of my life for as long as I could remember, I needed to feel involved in something again. I needed to feel like I was playing my part.
“I have read that some call me selfish because I stopped the operation this season, but it was never about putting myself first and that is how we have reached this point, and something as a 23-year-old I have had to to learn the hard way.
“To guarantee that I can play this game for as long as possible, I have to listen to my body. Everyone has an opinion but no one knows my body better than I do.”
Rashford went on to discuss his involvement in Euro 2020, where he played a limited role that only saw him finish 83 minutes during his five matches.
“It is difficult to describe the feeling of representing your country,” he continued. “Given the choice, no one would ever say no to it in such a big tournament. As a little boy or girl, you dream of these moments. I had been considered suitable for the whole season, and given that my injuries were handled, what was a a few more weeks?
“Handled the pain, I trained well and found a lot of comfort in England’s camp after the Europa League final. If I had known if I had not played an important role in the euro, I would have gone afterwards? Afterwards is a wonderful thing.
Rashford fought at Euro 2020 / Paul Ellis – Pool / Getty Images
“I did not want to disappoint anyone, but when I looked at my performances towards the end of last season, I felt that I was. When I step on the pitch, I always give 100%. Physically, my 100% was just not possible.
“I leave last season with 36 goal contributions, but more importantly, I leave with lessons. We live and we learn as they say, but what never doubts is my commitment to the club and the national team. It has been difficult but I comes back physically and mentally stronger. “
