Aston Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov has been diagnosed with acute leukaemia. The condition was diagnosed following tests after the Bulgaria international, 32, developed a fever following last Saturday's Premier League defeat to Arsenal.
A Villa statement read:
"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.
"We expect to learn more about Stiliyan's situation in due course and we have moved quickly to support him and his family.
"During this time, we ask that Stiliyan's privacy is placed ahead of all inquiries and trust that we will share information as we receive it.
"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." "The Villa Board received news today that our long-standing captain Stiliyan Petrov has been diagnosed with Acute Leukaemia.
