Petrov winning battle with leukaemia

Aston Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov is in remission and winning his fight to overcome acute leukaemia, the English Premier League club announced on Thursday.

"It is with great delight that the club can confirm on behalf of our long-standing captain, Stiliyan Petrov, that Stan's acute leukaemia is in remission," Villa said in a statement.

"Stan's fight is not over. There will be further battles to overcome in the days, weeks and months ahead.

"But he would like to share with you this tremendous news now."

The 33-year-old Bulgarian international midfielder has been undergoing regular treatment at a London hospital since the illness was diagnosed four months ago.

Now the player nicknamed 'Stan' has received a positive bulletin in his battle to defeat the cancer.

Petrov, who has 106 international caps, signed for Villa in 2006 after spells with CSKA Sofia and Scottish giants Celtic.