Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov diagnosed with acute leukemia

PanARMENIAN.Net - Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov has been diagnosed with acute leukemia, the Premier League club announced Friday, March 30.

AFP reports that Petrov's illness was discovered in medical tests carried out on the 32-year-old Bulgarian international after he came down with a fever following last Saturday's defeat at Arsenal, the club said.

"We expect to learn more about Stiliyan's situation in due course and we have moved quickly to support him and his family," the statement said.

"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 players led widespread tributes to Petrov after the announcement.

"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. KTF," Villa striker Darren Bent wrote on Twitter.

Goalkeeper Shay Given added: "In shock about Stiliyan Petrov acute leukemia but we are all here for him and his family. Please God he makes a full recovery."

Petrov joined Aston Villa in 2006 after a seven-year spell at Celtic.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon, a former team-mate of Petrov, expressed his shock at the news of the midfielder's condition.

"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," Lennon said in a statement.