Stiliyan Petrov announces Match of Hope- 10 years on from emotional Celtic Park return

Ten years after staging a highly emotional charity match at Celtic Park, Stiliyan Petrov will do the same again at the National Stadium in Bulgaria.

Sixty thousand fans turned up at Celtic Park to watch an incredible collection of players show their appreciation of the midfielder whose career came to a sudden end at the age of 32 when he was diagnosed with leukaemia.

From battling for Premiership points for Aston Villa his world was turned upside down as he underwent chemotherapy while his former team-mates continued with their day job.

Across football, way beyond Celtic and Villa there was incredible support given to Stan and his family. Gradually he pulled through, picking up the pieces of his life and even attempting to make a comeback

From the waves of support a foundation was set up with Petrov playing a very active part, helping with fund-raising and ensuring that those most in need get the support that they require.

It was an emotional day. Seeing your boys run onto the pitch at the end ? and both now grown young men. ?

— Ang ??? (@ghirlly74) June 16, 2023

Petrov was the most successful of John Barnes’ signings even if his first year at the club was less than memorable.

Under Martin O’Neill he flourished in a midfield packed with the talent of Paul Lambert, Neil Lennon and Alan Thompson.

In August 2006 Petrov was reunited with O’Neill when Aston Villa forked out £6.5m, three years later he was made club captain.

Now his thoughts are on raising funds for Bulgarians even though he left the country as a teenager in 1999.

CLICK HERE to visit the Foundation.

CLICK HERE for full details of 2013 match.