Petrov to begin treatment

02 April 2012 07:47

Stiliyan Petrov will begin treatment at a London hospital on Monday after being diagnosed with acute leukaemia.

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish expected that the Bulgarian midfielder, 32, would spend a couple of days in the capital in the first instance after the diagnosis was made public on Friday and hopes to visit him in hospital this week.

Club captain Petrov addressed the Villa squad in the dressing room prior to Saturday's 4-2 Barclays Premier League defeat at home to Chelsea, where he vowed to fight the condition and beat it.

He then stayed on as a spectator at the match with his family, and stood to acknowledge an ovation from both sets of supporters in the 19th minute, timed to match the player's squad number.

McLeish told Sky Sports News on Sunday night: "I don't think he's down there (in London) long term, only for a couple of days at a time. But we believe he's got the best possible chance of help at the moment, with the specialists he's got now.

"I didn't see him after the game yesterday but he texted me to say it was a great game and he thought we were a bit unlucky.

"He obviously made it a very emotional occasion and the fans were right behind the team and gave us extra power.

"I never realised the Chelsea players wore T-shirts and I thank them very much for that fantastic gesture.

"I watched (Petrov's former club) Celtic play (on Sunday) and they had a smashing tribute in the 19th minute to Stiliyan - he's a massively popular guy.

"I've received numerous emails and texts saying 'pass my best wishes on to him'. Hopefully the support will boost him and give him positivity - I know that can help people in their recovery."

Source: PA