Emotional Rashford issues classy heartfelt response to surgery backlash
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has hit back at critics who branded him selfish for waiting until now to undergo shoulder surgery.
It was revealed on Friday that the 23-year-old will miss the first three months of the season. The England hitman will not play until at least October as he is forced to go under the surgeon’s knife. The shoulder issue bothered him all last season but he opted to play through the pain barrier.
And the man with 46 Three Lions caps also featured for Gareth Southgate’s side as they reached the Euro 2020 final. But he will now be out of action for a lengthy spell and has faced criticism on social media.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Rashford has had his say on the matter. And, with his usual class, he revealed the reasons why surgery was delayed for so long.
“When the clubs need me, I’ll be there,” he wrote. “Any role I can play in helping my boyhood club I’m going to do it. Even to my detriment at times.
“Having been out of the game recovering from the double stress fracture, and having spent a lot of time away from teammates and staff who’d been a part of my life for as long as I could remember, I needed to feel a part of something again.
“I needed to feel like I was playing my part. I’ve read some call me selfish for holding off getting the surgery this season but it was never about putting myself first and that’s how we’ve reached this point, and something as a 23-year-old I’ve had to learn the hard way.”
Rashford mature beyond his years
Rashford has already endeared himself to the British public. His crusade to ensure free school meals for children from low-income families during school holidays was universally praised.
Playing for the Red Devils and England is his own bread and butter, however. And his thoughtful words on the current situation should help silence the naysayers.
“To guarantee I can play this game as long as possible I need to listen to my body,” he added. “Everyone has an opinion but no one knows my body better than me.
“It’s hard to describe the feeling of representing your country. Given the choice no one would ever turn that down at such a big tournament.”
The one-club man is determined to return fit and healthy after another tough period in his life.
“We live and we learn as they say but what is never in doubt is my commitment to the club and the national team,” he continued. “It’s been a hard one but I’m coming back physically and mentally stronger.”
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