Stiliyan Petrov hoping to play football for Aston Villa again

Stiliyan Petrov wants to return to professional football Credit: PA

Former Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov, who retired from football after being diagnosed with acute leukaemia in 2012, wants to start playing again for the soon-to-be relegated club.

Petrov played more than 200 games for Villa and earned more than 100 caps for Bulgaria.

The 36-year-old said he was keen to help his former team, who are bottom of the Premier League, return to the top-flight as soon as possible.

"I've told Aston Villa that I'm ready to start a pre-season with them," the 36-year-old midfielder was quoted as saying in the media, adding he has received "very positive news" from doctors and fitness coaches.

The Birmingham Mail reports that when Petrov told his son of his intention to play for Villa again, his son replied: "Have you seen Villa playing lately? Really have you seen it?"

Villa are without a manager and will be relegated to the Championship once the season ends, but Petrov has indicated he wants to help the struggling club to bounce back.