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Stiliyan Petrov: I'm lucky to be alive after leukaemia

Last updated on .From the section Footballcomments252

'Lucky' Petrov reflects on long year

Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov says he is lucky to be alive as he continues his fight against leukaemia.

The Bulgarian was diagnosed in March 2012 but is now in remission after finishing his first year of treatment.

"I've had my hard moments but I've had good moments as well. I'm lucky because some people with this disease will die very quickly," said the 33-year-old.

"I'm glad that this hard year is behind me now and I can concentrate on getting back to my life."

Petrov, who joined Villa in 2006 having spent seven years with Celtic, was back at Villa's Bodymoor Heath training ground this week.

Recalling his emotions when he first learned of his condition, he told Aston Villa's website:external-link "At the start I thought it was just a cold, nothing serious.

"When I was told the diagnosis, I was a little shocked but accepted it and just wanted to start the treatment straight away."

Following an intensive chemotherapy programme Petrov, who has made over 200 appearances for Villa in addition to more than 300 for Celtic, is now in remission.

"I have finished all of the high intensity treatment and from now on I'll be on the softer treatment, which is two years on tablets," he said. "It was a very, very long year but now, after all this treatment, I can go back to a normal life.

"The support from all the fans, the club, the players, has been amazing."

That support extends to the Villa fans applauding Petrov in the 19th minute of every match, in recognition of the midfielder's squad number at the club.

"The 19th minute has been just incredible," he said. "It's them showing their appreciation and their support.

"I don't know how I can thank the fans because it's been incredible. Sometimes I joke with friends when they text me saying, 'You've still got that applause in the 19th minute, when are they going to stop?!'"

Asked about his plans for the future he added: "First of all I'm going to spend some time with the family, show them that things are back to normal and feel a bit more comfortable. The kids especially have really missed me a lot and they're happy that I'm home.

"I'm hoping to open my foundation soon and I'm going to start raising money and awareness for leukaemia and different charities."

Villa's 'Support Stan' campaign

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252 comments

  • Comment posted by Sam Portsmouth, at 12:43 17 Apr 2013

    Good luck Stiliyan.

    -Everyone in football

  • Comment posted by Misterroy, at 13:36 17 Apr 2013

    As a Blues fan, I obviously have no love for the Villa.
    BUT this rises above football & I genuinely respect their fans applause during every game's 19th minute & long may it continue.
    Get well soon Mr Petrov, great to hear that the treatment appears to be working.

  • Comment posted by neonlights, at 12:45 17 Apr 2013

    It's tough being a Villa fan at the moment, but Stan puts everything into perspective. We've missed him, a lot.

  • Comment posted by rememberscarborough, at 12:56 17 Apr 2013

    Football fans may get tarred with the same brush as those that grabbed the headlines at the weekend but when the chips are down, and life becomes more important than football, they step forward.

    As someone who's been through chemo twice just remember, Stan, there's a whole life to look forward to after you've beaten this. Good luck to you and your loved ones.

  • Comment posted by davidindevon, at 13:54 17 Apr 2013

    As a LFC supporter I can only admire the courage and fortitude shown by Mr Petrov in his battle against this insidious disease. Wonderfully supported by the club, players and supporters but most of all by his family. He has always set standards, both on and off the pitch, that others would do well to follow and I sincerely hope that we will again see him grace the football grounds of the PL.

  • Comment posted by User0111489079, at 16:35 17 Apr 2013

    "Stan the Man"

  • Comment posted by mobilemole, at 13:58 17 Apr 2013

    Not a Villa fan but the 19th minute applause always brings a lump to my throat - even on MotD. Every best wish to Stan, long may you be with us!

  • Comment posted by User0519731361, at 15:45 17 Apr 2013

    Not only was Stan one of our most important players he is also a nice guy, he is always smiling and saying good things even when things are going badly.
    Thankfully being a footballer saved his life, the analysis of the players in matches showed something was wrong and he was sent away for tests instantly, usually leukemia is the sort of illness that often goes unnoticed until its too late
    STAN #19

  • Comment posted by Vaze, at 13:36 17 Apr 2013

    Thanks you for everything you have done for Aston Villa Stan, you deserve the ovation we give you each game.

    With the support of family, friends and football I hoped and prayed that you would come through, and as the battler you were on the pitch, so you have proved off it.

    Enjoy time with your wife and family, it must be very special.

  • Comment posted by jonners, at 14:49 17 Apr 2013

    Stan is still very inspirational behind the scenes @ AVFC even with all the personal trauma he has gone through, The 19th minute tribute is not just out of respect to his ongoing illness battle but our 100% respect for our club captain and all he has done to help others less fortunate than himself, he is a very selfless person. the ongoing 'respect' from all fans -Superb !

  • Comment posted by East Surrey Brian, at 13:10 17 Apr 2013

    Wishing Stan all the best for the future. True professional, and a gent.

  • Comment posted by User0022851464, at 17:02 17 Apr 2013

    Good news about Stiliyan. As a West Ham fan I witnessed the 19th minute from the away end at Villa Park. It was impeccibly observed by both sets of fans. It was actually pretty moving and good to see in this day and age.

  • Comment posted by U15568941, at 12:48 17 Apr 2013

    Good luck Stan, and well done Villa fans.

  • Comment posted by Gonchong, at 14:06 17 Apr 2013

    Bigger and better story than any promotion/relegation battle.

    Get well and back playing soon.

  • Comment posted by User0180909860, at 14:04 17 Apr 2013

    Best wishes for Stan and all those battling this terrible illness like him. I hope he can bring in more awareness and motivation to help end the suffering.

    PS: Berbatov looked confused during the Villa game. I am sure he wanted to stop playing and join in the applause.

  • Comment posted by monkeysaurus, at 13:20 17 Apr 2013

    In an awful season for Villa, there has been a yawning Stan-sized hole in midfield and nothing would be better than to see him pull on the claret and blue shirt again in anger. An excellent footballer and leader of men and truly nice guy to boot. Well done to the Villa fans for keeping up the 19th minute tribute all season and thanks go to all those fans of other clubs who joined in.

  • Comment posted by Thomas Skehan, at 13:26 17 Apr 2013

    Great to hear you are responding to the treatment Stan. Good luck for the future. The football world is hoping you are back to full health as soon as possible.

  • Comment posted by User0254395227, at 17:18 17 Apr 2013

    As a lifelong Villa fan, this fella is an inspiration. The 19th minute gesture will continue for a long time yet, and will carry on until Stan is over it, however long it.

    I do have to say that the response by opposition football fans has been incredible and, home or away, the opposition fans, players on the benches and even some PL managers have joined in. The football community is alive!

  • Comment posted by JayM, at 13:22 17 Apr 2013

    Dear Stan,

    All the best for a full recovery and the foundation. Enjoy the time with your family and let's hope you get back to playing football and score a cracker on your return!

    Warmest regards

    From us all...

  • Comment posted by User0101063617, at 22:12 17 Apr 2013

    @43 "As a Blues fan, I obviously have no love for the Villa.
    BUT this rises above football & I genuinely respect their fans applause during every game's 19th minute & long may it continue.
    Get well soon Mr Petrov, great to hear that the treatment appears to be working."

    From a Villa fan, You my friend, are a true blue and a true football fan and an asset to your club. UTV

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