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Come Fan with UsFriday, July 31, 2026

Stiliyan Petrov Diagnosed With Acute Leukemia

Doctors discovered that Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov has Acute Leukemia after he came down with a fever and underwent tests this week.

Stiliyan Petrov of Aston Villa in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Aston Villa at Sports Direct Arena in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Stiliyan Petrov of Aston Villa in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Aston Villa at Sports Direct Arena in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Stiliyan Petrov of Aston Villa in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Aston Villa at Sports Direct Arena in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Aston Villa captain and Bulgarian international Stiliyan Petrov has been diagnosed with Acute Leukemia, the club has announced. The midfielder developed a fever following the Arsenal match and underwent tests, with the diagnosis confirmed on Friday.

Petrov is 32 years old and has been with the Villa since 2006, when former manager Martin O'Neill brought him over from Celtic. He has captained the squad since the 2009-2010 season, while earning 108 caps for Bulgaria, the most for the country. Aston Villa has released a statement on Petrov and his diagnosis.

The Villa Board received news today that our long-standing captain Stiliyan Petrov has been diagnosed with Acute Leukaemia. Stiliyan developed a fever following the Arsenal game last Saturday and subsequently underwent tests conducted by Dr Ian McGuinness. Haematology experts confirmed the diagnosis today ... 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.

This is truly horrible news, and it goes without saying that everyone is hoping Petrov is able to successfully fight off this condition.

For more on Petrov, head to Aston Villa blog 7500 to Holte.

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