Petrov suffering from leukaemia

Aston Villa have announced that midfielder Stiliyan Petrov is suffering from acute leukaemia.


Villa captain Petrov, 32, has made 30 appearances for the club this season in all competitions and most recently featured in Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Arsenal, but reported that he was feeling unwell in the aftermath of the game.

A club statement read: "The Villa board received news today that our long-standing captain Stiliyan Petrov has been diagnosed with acute leukaemia.

"Stiliyan developed a fever following the Arsenal game last Saturday and subsequently underwent tests. Haematology experts confirmed the diagnosis today.

"We expect to learn more about Stiliyan's situation in due course and we have moved quickly to support him and his family. During this time we ask that Stiliyan's privacy is placed ahead of all inquiries and trust that we will share information as we receive it.

"Stiliyan is cherished by many and he will get from Villa every ounce of love and support that we have to help bring this to a positive conclusion."

The announcement brought an immediate outpouring of support for Petrov, with Celtic manager and former Hoops team-mate Neil Lennon among those taking to Twitter.

"Absolutely inconsolable here regarding Stilian," Lennon Tweeted. "He will overcome this like all the other barriers he faced in his life.

"Stilian has the heart of a lion and as part of the Celtic family he deserves all our best wishes and support."

Stiliyan Petrov: Geoff Thomas on his battle with leukaemia

By Geoff Thomas Former England international

It was horrendous to hear the news about Stiliyan Petrov .

I was 37 when leukaemia struck me down in 2003 - it was a bolt out of the blue.

The first couple of days was a complete shock. It felt like I was in a dark tunnel. But it was the time to take in as much information and listen to professionals, doctors and nurses to see how to go forward. I put my trust and life in their hands.

My condition - chronic myeloid leukaemia - was slightly different to the acute leukaemia that Petrov has been diagnosed with.

The cancer I had gave me a bit more time to work out what lay ahead. It becomes very black and white.

At first, I was given three months to live and then with treatment, it was extended to three years. I was then able to have a successful had a stem cell transplant.

What goes on in the next couple of days is important for Petrov.

With it being acute, it's a more aggressive form of leukaemia which is common in his age group. The treatment starts as soon as you go into hospital and there will be people running around him.

He seems to be such a delightful guy. I'd like to wish him and his family all the best.

This country is a leading light when it comes to research into blood cancers.

He's a fit young man and everyone will give him the best chance and put him on road to recovery as soon as possible.

The success rates are getting better and better every year. We should never stop campaigning for better treatment and funding. When stories like this hit the news it highlights the cause.

I'm always at the end of the phone for anybody with this illness.

Geoff Thomas was speaking to BBC World Service and BBC Radio 5 live.

Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov has announced his decision to retire from the game as he fights against acute leukaemia.

Petrov, 32, was diagnosed with the condition on Friday after falling ill with a virus after the game against Arsenal last weekend. He has made 30 appearances for the club this season in all competitions.

Speaking to Bulgarian sports daily Tema Sport, Petrov said on Saturday: "Football is over, this is the end. I am now beginning to fight for my life and I will fight.

"I lost my energy early in the second half [at Arsenal] and it was very unusual for me.

"But this is life, you see we drank a coffee in London a week ago and now we're talking about things like this.

"I'll fight, it's clear and I also would like to thank everyone for the support from all around the world."