• Aston Villa news

Villa's Petrov diagnosed with cancer

ESPN staff
March 30, 2012
Stiliyan Petrov has been diagnosed with acute leukaemia © Getty Images
Enlarge

Aston Villa have been rocked by the news that captain Stiliyan Petrov has been diagnosed with acute leukaemia.

Just a matter of hours after Villa boss Alex McLeish had ruled the Bulgarian out of Saturday's clash against Chelsea with a virus, the club released a statement revealing the diagnosis.

A club statement read: "The Villa board received news [on Friday] 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 conducted by Dr Ian McGuinness. 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."

Villa striker Darren Bent, who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, was quick to offer his support to his skipper. "Really sad news to hear about our captain Stan Petrov. Hopefully he'll be back fighting fit soon. Thoughts are with him and his family," Bent wrote on his Twitter page.

Aston Villa's weekend fixture at home to Chelsea will still go ahead as planned.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices