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Great news: Petrov playing football again

Former Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov is playing again, following the remission of his Leukemia.

It may be a different kit now for Stan, but at least he's got the boots back on.
It may be a different kit now for Stan, but at least he's got the boots back on.
Scott Heavey

It may not be the Premier League, but Stiliyan Petrov is back playing football again. After being diagnosed with Leukemia in May 2012, Petrov was forced to stop playing. His official retirement followed in May of 2013, but the former Aston Villa and Celtic midfield man's professional career had been ended by this disease.

Now he has returned, albeit playing Sunday League football. Wychall Wanderers over-35s is his new club.  Even though the standard is lower, Stan has been happy to get some minutes, no matter where he has to play on the pitch due to a shortage of players. He told the PFA that in one match he "had a different man marking me every ten minutes."

Petrov added he still gets asked for photos and autographs after some matches, saying that the Villa fans have been brilliant as always. For someone who battled a life-threatening disease, it's good to be able to see him play again.

Update: Here is a video of Petrov playing, thanks to 101 Great Goals:

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