SOCCER:ASTON VILLA captain Stiliyan Petrov was diagnosed with acute leukaemia yesterday, leaving English soccer in shock over a player's ill-health for the second time this month.
The 32-year-old Bulgaria international has not trained since playing against Arsenal last Saturday. The condition was diagnosed following tests after the midfielder developed a fever.
“The Villa board received news today that our long-standing captain Stiliyan Petrov has been diagnosed with acute leukaemia,” the club said in a statement. “Haematology experts confirmed the diagnosis today. We expect to learn more about Stiliyan’s situation in due course.During this time we ask that Stiliyan’s privacy is placed ahead of all inquiries.”
Bulgaria’s team doctor Mihail Iliev spoke to Darik Radio about the former CSKA Sofia man. “Unfortunately, Stiliyan called me . . . to inform me about the illness,” he said. “It’s very frustrating. He’ll have exams tomorrow in London and we’ll have more information after that. I personally hope that the illness is in the very early stages.
Villa are due to host Chelsea in the Premier League today and coach Alex McLeish said the game would go ahead according to Petrov’s wishes.
“Put it this way, this is the first day of his recovery,” McLeish told a news conference as he confirmed Petrov was already heading to London for tests.
“The players will be gutted but hopefully galvanised for the game for their captain.”
