FIFA president Sepp Blatter is the latest high-profile figure to wish Stiliyan Petrov “strength” as he begins his fight against acute leukaemia.

The diagnosis of Petrov’s illness was publicly announced on Friday, sparking a wave of sympathy and good wishes towards the Aston Villa captain.

That was evident on Saturday as players from both Villa and Chelsea wore T-shirts during the warm-up ahead of their game at Villa Park in support of the Bulgarian midfielder.

Now via his Twitter account, football’s most powerful man has offered Petrov his encouragement.

Blatter said: “Very sad to hear about Stiliyan Petrov’s illness. Wish him strength in his fight to win this battle.

“Support shown at Villa Park by both sets of fans another sign of all that is good in football. #getwellstan.”

Petrov is in London for the start of his treatment, initially embarking on a course of steroids and tablets that will prepare him for chemotherapy.