He is one of the most influential, but also most underestimated, foreign players in British football. Now, the career may be over for the Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov.
Last Friday, the 30th march, Aston Villa fans were shocked by the news of their captain diagnosed with acute leukaemia. Petrov had complained of a fever following the Aston Villa defeat against Arsenal and began recovery immediately on Friday after he had been diagnosed. As always, the Bulgarian midfielder showed that he is a fighter as he told his team mates that he will win this battle, according to several British media.
The player received support from fans and players as well as his former manager in Celtic, Martin O’Neill, who recommended the specialist who treated his wife in 2004. Stiliyan Petrov’s influence in British was expressed when both Aston Villa fans and Chelsea fans held a standing ovation in the 19th minute (Petrov’s shirt number) of their match in the weekend. In Glasgow, Celtic fans also held a standing ovation for the player in their match against St. Johnston.
Last Friday, the 30th march, Aston Villa fans were shocked by the news of their captain diagnosed with acute leukaemia. Petrov had complained of a fever following the Aston Villa defeat against Arsenal and began recovery immediately on Friday after he had been diagnosed. As always, the Bulgarian midfielder showed that he is a fighter as he told his team mates that he will win this battle, according to several British media.
The player received support from fans and players as well as his former manager in Celtic, Martin O’Neill, who recommended the specialist who treated his wife in 2004. Stiliyan Petrov’s influence in British was expressed when both Aston Villa fans and Chelsea fans held a standing ovation in the 19th minute (Petrov’s shirt number) of their match in the weekend. In Glasgow, Celtic fans also held a standing ovation for the player in their match against St. Johnston.
It has been out that Petrov would stop his career as a result of the leukaemia, but it has now been confirmed yet. This would be a loss, not only for Aston Villa, where the Petrov has played since his move from Celtic in 2006, but also for the Bulgarian international team. He started his professional career in CSKA Sofia, before moving to Celtic, where he became one of the star players, under the O’Neill regime. In Aston Villa, Petrov has become a leader and one of - if not - the most respected player in the team.
The player started his international career with his debut for Bulgaria in 1998, but decided to resign from the team, as long as Hristo Stoichkov was manager for the team. However, Petrov made amends with Stoichkov and came back on the team, which he has played 106 matches for.
The question is now if Stiliyan Petrov will comeback or if his career is over. One thing is for sure he probably will not play the rest of the season. A major loss for Aston Villa, who is struggling in the bottom of the table as well as for the Bulgarian national team.
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