Petrov dreams of playing again and winning the biggest battle of his life

Stiliyan Petrov can now see the finishing line. After two-and-a-half years battling to beat life-threatening acute leukaemia, it’s almost over.

As we chat in his new home on the outskirts of Birmingham, to say he is bubbly about the present and of the future is an understatement.

The former Celtic, Aston Villa and Bulgaria captain will finish his treatment early next year, and he feels blessed and privileged to still be here to tell his story and inspire others to beat the illness that, unfortunately, takes the lives of so many.

Petrov, 35, reveals: “I will be off my medication by the end of January. That will be my last cycle of chemotherapy, injections and steroids. My hope then is to get back to a normal life with my family.

“You know, for me to get to this stage seemed such a long way away a couple of years ago. Back then I was going through extensive chemotherapy, and I wasn’t allowed to step out into the fresh air because my immune system would not have been able to cope.

“So, to be so close now . . . well, it’s like a dream. To know that I’m nearly there is very hard to put into words.”

As ‘Stan’ speaks, he looks towards his wife, Paulina, and their sons, Stiliyan Jnr and Kristiyan. He firmly believes that without the love and support of his family, he wouldn’t have survived.

During the most testing periods of his chemo, he felt totally drained physically and mentally, and was ready for giving up. But Paulina was his inspiration, and made sure he fought on and never gave up hope.

Says Stiliyan: “Professor David Linch at the University College Hospital in London treated me, and is an outstanding man in his specialised field. I owe him and the doctors and nurses so much. But Paulina was the one. She was always positive. She drove me on. She dedicated herself to me and my recovery.”

Stiliyan and Paulina have set up the Petrov Foundation. Their prime motivation is giving families as good a chance as possible to take care of loved ones battling serious illness.

“Thanks to the generosity of the supporters, we raised lots of money for my Foundation and have started to put it to good use by helping families,” says Stiliyan.

“We want to do as much as we can to help make life a little bit more comfortable for as many as possible. We have also identified some hospitals and have been donating to them. We have other things in place for the coming months to help raise more money, and the Foundation website will be up and running next month.”

On September 7, Petrov will have his football boots back on as he plays for a Paul McStay Celtic Select at Parkhead against a Rio Ferdinand Manchester United Veterans side. All profits will go to different charities.

This time last year, Petrov had his own charity match in Glasgow’s East End, and 60,000 turned out in tribute to him. He smiles: “The memories from that incredible day are still fresh. It was an amazing experience.

“Going back to Celtic Park next month will be another emotional time. Getting the opportunity to pull my boots on again is a great feeling. To do that and wear the Celtic jersey this time makes it all the more special.

“As usual, the fans will be out in huge numbers to see some of the legends from Celtic and Manchester United. Lubo Moravcik, Jackie McNamara, Chris Sutton, John Hartson, Paul McStay, Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand and many others will make sure it’s a day to remember. I also think there will be a competitive edge to it.

“I’m feeling pretty good going into the game. My level of fitness is getting better all the time. I’m playing five-a-sides and full-scale matches. I’m also doing gym work. I’ve really got into table-tennis and tennis, and I’m taking tennis lessons just now.

“I love watching tennis on TV and, having been through my illness, it has made me more appreciative of the dedication of men and women in different sports, especially tennis. I look at the competition between Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, and those guys really impress me. Murray has been brilliant for Scotland and is a true sporting hero. The country should be so proud of him because he is also a wonderful ambassador.

“I also found the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow really inspiring. The city was clearly buzzing and all the athletes were proud and thrilled to be part of it.”

The Celtic fans would love to see Petrov back in a jersey for real, and he shares their wishes. But he knows it’s highly unlikely ever to happen.

He stresses: “I don’t think I will ever be able to play professionally again. I accept that it is highly unlikely. I was advised to retire soon after I was diagnosed with the illness. That hit me really hard. I did not want the illness to take my career from me. But as long as there is even just a one per cent chance, then I will never give up.

“My health and the wishes of my family, however, will always come first. When I come off my medication, I will be able to lose the excess weight I’ve gained, and I‘ll be working hard. You never know. If I can get back to fitness and Celtic are looking for a midfielder at that time . . .

“Well, I’m allowed to dream!”