Former Celtic and Aston Villa player Stiliyan Petrov has made his return to football after his leukaemia went into remission. The Bulgarian midfielder was forced to retire from professional football at age 33 after being diagnosed with the disease. Now at 35, Petrov appears to be on the road to recovery.
Petrov played a full 90 minutes for Sunday League side Wychall Wanderers in a 2-0 victory in the Central Wawrickshire League. The former Celtic man was in high spirits after the match.
It’s a good laugh and they’re competitive games. It’s just really nice to be out there playing a proper game.
I’ve played 90 minutes and my fitness is improving but I need to be patient.
This marked the Petrov's third time togging out for the club. With his health steadily improving, he is looking to increase his fitness and continue to play football.
Everything is fine, touch wood. There are only three months to go on tablets and I’m finished. I’m on steroids until January.
I’ll be there again on Sunday but don’t ask me who we’re playing.