Darren Fletcher: A Star with his Head in the Clouds
DARREN FLETCHER was on a 75-minute flight on Monday which flew through a narrow opening in a cliff-face, into a gully and on to land at the tiny assortment of buildings which make Vagar one of the most distinctive airports in Europe. Some of the most beautiful and unspoiled natural landscapes on the planet then unfolded before his eyes on a winding, 50-minute coach drive through the Faroe Islands. The journey ended at a hillside hotel with a breathtaking view of picturesque Torshavn in front of the silvery North Atlantic.
When Fletcher got to his room and looked out the window, something dawned on him for the first time that day: hold on a minute, he had been to the Faroes before. Only when his memory was jogged last week did he recall the Faroes youth international tournament he appeared in as a 16-year-old, in which he broke his foot in the very act of scoring a goal for Scotland. Manchester United had allowed him to play on the basis that he appeared only for an hour. Fletcher put the ball in the net, and suffered his injury, after 60 minutes.
Escape from the Limelight
Torshavn does not have a lot to offer a young Manchester United star, even one as sensible and domesticated as Fletcher, who is the father of 10-week-old twin boys Jack and Tyler. No one would have blamed him for finding something attractive about its isolation, though. It gave him an escape from the danger of seeing British newspapers or Sky Sports News. Since his club season ended with defeat in the FA Cup final, Fletcher has read and seen enough about United splashing out on new midfielders to turn him off sports coverage for good. Owen Hargreaves for £17 million. Nani and Anderson for £16m in a double raid on Portuguese clubs which could eventually cost United £34m. And the three of them just a year after £18m was lavished on Michael Carrick. That's £69m worth of midfielders to displace, all of them trying to find elbow room in territory also contested by United stalwarts Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.
Remaining Positive Despite the Competition
When he was asked about Hargreaves, Nani, and Anderson moving in on his patch, Fletcher gave the sort of calmly diplomatic reaction which has endeared him to Sir Alex Ferguson from day one. "Obviously they are great players. If we are going to have fresh players for the Champions League and the Premiership then you need a big squad. I think we will be challenging on both fronts next season."
Fletcher's own worth to Manchester United is not a subject of universal agreement. He has yet to win any popularity contests in the stands, but Ferguson used Fletcher 40 times for United last season, which is a spoke in the wheel of those cynics who suggest he will have to settle for a move to the likes of Tottenham, Everton, or Newcastle or else resign himself to being permanently described as a "squad player" at Old Trafford.
Embracing the "Squad Player" Label
"That is the label you are given: 'squad player'. It's not something you like, but at our club, we have such a big squad that next season there will be a lot of 'squad players'. It's something you try to fight against, but the only way to get around that is to start every week. I am really happy because I know I played in a lot of games last season and contributed a big part to us winning the league and being in the latter stages of the Champions League and the FA Cup."
Towards the end of the season, Fletcher featured a lot, which was the best because they were challenging in the Champions League and the FA Cup and closing in on the Premiership. His involvement most weeks was pleasing-
A Future Uncertain, but Bright
Fletcher never played senior football in Scotland before joining United as a teenager, and the likelihood of him finishing his career there reduced when he and his English partner, Hayley, had twins. However, Fletcher remains positive, stating, "Who knows what's around the corner in terms of moving to different clubs? It's not something you can think about. You just have to live for the moment, and that's what I am doing."
Hotels - The Perfect Retreat for Football Stars
Hotels have become the perfect retreat for football stars like Darren Fletcher who seek solace and escape from the limelight. For star players who face constant media coverage and scrutiny, finding isolation is crucial for maintaining focus and privacy.
These hotels not only offer comfort and luxury but also provide a serene environment away from the bustling city life. With picturesque views and tranquil settings, they create an atmosphere that allows players to unwind and relax.
Hotel accommodations also play a significant role in team bonding and camaraderie. Many clubs organize training camps and pre-season tours, staying in exclusive hotels that offer state-of-the-art facilities and privacy. These settings foster team unity and allow players to focus on their game without distractions.
Whether it's a hillside hotel with breathtaking views or a secluded resort nestled amidst nature, hotels serve as an oasis for football stars like Darren Fletcher, providing them with the peace and tranquility they need to excel on and off the field.
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