Source: Daily_Mail
Villa captain Petrov sets 2012 international retirement date
Aston Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov is to retire from international football with Bulgaria after the 2012 European Championships.[LNB]The midfielder wants to end his career with his country on a high by finishing ahead of England in the qualifying group after the agony of failing to reach the 2010 World Cup.[LNB]But he will be 32 by the time of the next European finals in Poland and Ukraine.[LNB] End of days: Petrov has set 2012 as the year for his international retirement[LNB]The former Celtic player said: 'No doubt people have noticed that Bulgaria are in the same qualifying group as England for the European Championships![LNB]'I can confirm this will be my last international qualifying competition.[LNB]'The fact we will not be involved in this summer's World Cup will make us all the more determined to qualify.'[LNB] Petrov, in his fourth season at Villa, made his international debut 12 years ago and has won 91 caps, scoring eight goals.[LNB]He quit playing for his country once before in 2006 after a fall-out with coach Hristo Stoichkov but returned to the international fold the following year.[LNB]Petrov is currently battling to overcome an ankle problem suffered in Wednesday's draw with Manchester United in a bid to be fit for Sunday's FA Cup fifth-round clash at Crystal Palace.[LNB] Giggs awaits X-ray results over fears star broke his arm in draw at Aston VillaAston Villa 1 Man Utd 1: Rooney can't work miracles after Nani horror showASTON VILLA FC
