Aston Villa have confirmed that Stiliyan Petrov will remain as their captain as he continues his battle with acute leukaemia.
Bulgarian visits team-mates as he continues leukaemia battle
Aston Villa have confirmed that Stiliyan Petrov will remain as their captain as he continues his battle with acute leukaemia.
The Bulgaria international missed the finale of last season after being diagnosed with the illness in March and has since been undergoing regular treatment.
Petrov was, however, present at Villa's Bodymoor Heath training complex on Thursday to celebrate his 33rd birthday as his team-mates reported back for pre-season training.
After the Villa players greeted the popular skipper with a cake and a rendition of 'Happy Birthday' new boss Paul Lambert confirmed that Petrov would retain the captain's armband.
Lambert, who replaced Alex McLeish at the Villa Park helm this summer, also reiterated his, and the club's, support for Petrov and his young family as he continues treatment.
Support
"The main thing is Stiliyan being OK in his life. Football is a secondary thing and doesn't even come close to it. It's his life and that's the most important thing," Lambert told
AVTV.
"I went to see him the day before Arsenal played Norwich and there was a bit of trepidation when I first went in because I didn't know what I would be walking in to. But when I saw him I thought he looked great. His wife was there and I was delighted for him.
"To see him coming back today was great. It will be great too that, God-willing, he will be totally OK. That's the most important thing. It is for everyone to see him about the place.
"The support of the fans is vital. Villa fans have done great by him and he'll certainly still need them and their support. There's no doubt about it.
"He is a young guy with a wife and two kids and my main concern is his health. He will need that support."
