Former Celt Stan Petrov has been diagnosed as suffering from acute leukaemia.
The shock news was revealed by Aston Villa in a statement on the club website this afternoon.
Petrov was signed by John Barnes in 1999 and left Celtic in 2006 to link up with Martin O’Neill at Villa Park.
The Bulgarian won every domestic honour with O’Neill at Celtic and starred in the clubs run to the UEFA Cup Final in Seville alongside the current management team of Neil Lennon, Johan Mjallby and Alan Thomson.
The Villa statement read: “The Villa Board received news today that our long-standing captain Stiliyan Petrov has been diagnosed with Acute Leukaemia.
“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 best wishes of all Celtic supporters go to Stan and his family.
One stan petrov, hopefully the stadium will sing for him on sunday, he’s still part of the family. Best wishes stan
Was absolutely shocked when i read this. Hope Stan has a speedy recovery.