Football
ESPN staff 9y

Stiliyan Petrov returns to Aston Villa as coach after leukaemia battle

Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has revealed that Stiliyan Petrov will rejoin the club as a first-team coach after a three-year battle with leukaemia.

Petrov, 35, underwent his final bout of treatment just six weeks ago but will return to join Sherwood's backroom staff.

He was diagnosed with the disease 14 months ago, having been a part of the club since 2006 and, after hanging up his boots, he worked with Gordon Cowans and the second string in 2013.

The Bulgarian also started playing amateur football during his recovery, but he is now ready to take up a full-time commitment to the club.

"I would never bring him in to be a mascot. He's got a very technical and gifted mind, I want him in here as quick as possible,'' said Sherwood. "Stan will always have a place at this football club while I'm manager.''

Petrov made 219 appearances for Villa between 2006 and 2012 after a move from Celtic, scoring 12 goals for the club.

Villa are 17th in the Premier League and host West Brom in the FA Cup quarter final on Saturday, after their 2-1 league win over the Baggies on Tuesday.

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