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Bhoys show Petrov support

Image: Neil Lennon: Devastated to learn of Stiliyan Petrov's battle with leukaemia

Neil Lennon and the entire team at Celtic have offered their support to Stiliyan Petrov after hearing that he has been diagnosed with acute leukaemia.

Lennon stunned by news regarding former team-mate

Neil Lennon and the entire team at Celtic have offered their support to Stiliyan Petrov after hearing that he has been diagnosed with acute leukaemia. Aston Villa stunned the football world on Friday when revealing the results of medical tests carried out after their skipper developed a fever in the wake of their 3-0 defeat at Arsenal. Messages of support have flooded in for the 32-year-old midfielder in the wake of the announcement, with his former employers at Celtic among the first to respond. Bhoys boss Lennon played alongside Petrov during his time at Parkhead and admits he is struggling to take the news in. In a statement released on Celtic's official website, Lennon said: "We are all absolutely devastated to hear this news. As a member of the Celtic family, it is important for Stiliyan to know that he has our unequivocal support in battling against this disease. "Knowing Stiliyan as I do, and the many obstacles he has overcome in his life to get to the peak of his career, he will overcome this one too. "On behalf of the players and the backroom staff we send our support and best wishes to Stiliyan, Paulina and the family. We are there for them all and they will never walk alone."

Best wishes

The statement added that Lennon's coaching staff of Alan Thompson and Johan Mjallby, both former team-mates of Petrov as well, had both been left 'stunned' by the news. Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell added: "This is terrible news and our support and prayers go to Stiliyan, Paulina and their family at this very difficult time. "Stiliyan was an exceptional player for Celtic and helped to bring incredible success here during the seven years he spent at the club. "He was also one of the most popular players here, not only within the club but with all our supporters and I know that they, too will want to pass on their support and best wishes to Stiliyan and his family."

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