Petrov Leukaemia diagnosis

Messages of support from Petrov's current and former teammates have poured in after the Aston Villa captain was diagnosed with Acute Leukaemia.

Aston Villa's captain Stiliyan Petrov has been diagnosed with Acute Leukaemia and we explain the condition in more detail.

• Leukaemia is a disease where the cause of which is unknown and the bone marrow produces large numbers of abnormal cells.
• Acute leukaemia can progress rapidly if not treated and develops in the immature bone marrow cells.

• Symptoms can include a pale complexion, fatigue, joint pain, nosebleeds and repeated infections such as sore throats.
• This type of leukaemia is rare and more common in children and young people, however it requires urgent medical treatment, usually with chemotherapy.

The Aston Villa board has announced the club's long-standing captain Stiliyan Petrov has been diagnosed with Acute Leukaemia.

A statement on the club's website reads: "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."

It added: "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."