Aston Villa’s Petrov hangs up his boots

Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov has announced his retirement following his battle against acute leukaemia.

The Bulgarian midfielder was diagnosed with the condition in March last year and is now in remission.

In a statement released by Aston Villa, the 33-year said: “It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my retirement from the game.”

Petrov is continuing to receive treatment.

His popularity at the club has been evident all season with fans applauding throughout the 19th minute of games – in reference to his squad number ­– in tribute.

He said: “I’ve never been a person for making grand statements.

“I’ve only ever got on with my job, while remaining grateful to have great team-mates, great people around me and, most of all, a fantastic family.

“They have been powerful pillars of support when I have needed them most over the past year.

“To my wife, Paulina, and my sons, Kristiyan and Stiliyan, I love you very much and I will always for your constant love and support.

“Also to my mum and dad, my brother and Paulina’s mum and the people who have been closest to me throughout this time – you know who you are and I love you all.

“Each and every day I thank God for giving me the opportunity to still be with my family.

“Football has been the other great love of my life, so it is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my retirement from the game.

“The emotions are overwhelming really, but the continued support of family, friends and the great people I have come to know will make it easier for me to move on from the only life I’ve ever known.”

Petrov now intends to set up a foundation to raise money to address issues around the diagnosis of leukaemia.

Petrov, who says he initially thought his illness was a routine cold, thanked his family as well as the club’s fans and staff for their support over the past year.

He has been to Villa Park on numerous occasions this season.

Villa have been embroiled in the relegation battle for much of the season but have now climbed to 13th place in the table on 40 points and while not quite mathematically safe, are highly likely to stay up.

Petrov started his career at CSKA Sofia in his native Bulgaria before a spell at Scottish side Celtic prior to his move to Aston Villa. He earned a Bulgarian record 105 international caps, scoring eight goals for his country.