Aston Villa: Captain Stiliyan Petrov's Leukaemia in Remission

　

Aston Villa today announced that club captain Stiliyan Petrov’s battle against Leukaemia is in remission.

It was during last season, on the 30^th of March that ‘Stan’ was diagnosed with acute leukaemia. The condition was revealed following tests conducted after Villa’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League, where Stiliyan had developed a fever.

The official statement from the club read:
"It is with great delight that we can confirm on behalf of our long-standing captain, Stiliyan Petrov, that Stan's acute leukaemia is in remission."

Villa’s statement went on to say the battle is not yet over: "Stan's fight is not over. There will be further battles to overcome in the days, weeks and months ahead.

"But he would like to share with you this tremendous news now."

The Bulgian midfielder, capped more than a hundred times for his country has undergone four months of chemotherapy, in which time, new manager Paul Lambert and his predecessor Alex McLeish kept Petrov in his role as captain despite his absence from the team set up.

On the 5^th of July, Stiliyan’s 33^rd Birthday, he visited his fellow team mates at the clubs training ground Bodymoor Heath, where the players were reporting for their first pre season training session. He was presented with a cake by the playing staff, singing happy birthday to him with a round of applause following.

The statement continues: "Stan would like to take this opportunity to express his deep gratitude to the medical staff who have looked after him so well since his condition was diagnosed just over four months ago."

"He also wishes to place on record again his profound sense of appreciation for the incredible outpouring of love and support he has received from Villa fans, his team-mates and colleagues at the club, as well as football fans and many more people around the world during this period."

"He and his family have been moved by the depth of feeling stirred in so many people and he has taken great strength from it, too."

"On Stan's behalf, the club would like to thank everybody for continuing to respect Stan's privacy and his family's throughout his ongoing battle against acute leukaemia and for those who have raised awareness of the condition.

"Stan remains very committed to this crusade going forward."

I’m sure everyone will join me in wishing Stiliyan Petrov continued success in his fight against Leukaemia and speedy recovery.