Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov admits he is taking inspiration from Fabrice Muamba after he was diagnosed with acute leukaemia.
Petrov, who is due to begin treatment in a London hospital on Monday, received a rapturous reception when he appeared at Villa Park on Saturday to watch his club’s 4-2 defeat against Chelsea.
The Bulgarian, who spoke to his team-mates before the match, was seen to wipe away a tear as he acknowledged the cheers of the crowd and he insists he can win his battle with the disease.
He believes the miraculous recovery of Bolton midfielder Muamba, who was left fighting for his life after suffering a cardiac arrest during a FA Cup quarter-final against Tottenham a fortnight ago, shows anything is possible.
Petrov revealed a picture of Muamba sitting up in bed released on Friday had inspired him, along with numerous well-wishes, to get back to health.
“I would like to thank all of the people who have left messages of support. The response has been overwhelming and I appreciate it very much,” Petrov said in a statement.
“This is a difficult time for my family and myself and I ask people to respect my privacy.
“With the help and love of my family, my team-mates, all of my friends in football, Aston Villa and all of the fans, I am sure I will beat this illness and I am determined to do this.
“I saw the picture released by Fabrice Muamba, my fellow player, and it has inspired me as has all of the support in the past 24 hours.
“For me, football will have to take a back seat for a while, but I’m here to support my teammates today and I will continue to support them as I know they will support me. Thank you to everyone.”
Aston Villa honoured their captain with an impressive fightback against Chelsea on Saturday, only for the Londoners to triumph.
Goals from Daniel Sturridge and Branislav Ivanovic looked set to earn a routine win for the Stamford Bridge club until goals from James Collins and Eric Lichaj in the space of three minutes pulled Aston Villa level once again.
Then Ivanovic touched in from close-range once again before Fernando Torres broke clear to score his first Premier League goal since September to earn Chelsea three points on an emotional afternoon at Villa Park.
Villa manager Alex McLeish had vowed his team would attempt to win the game for the 32-year-old but Chelsea were always in control.
Petrov has said he has retired from football.
“No more football – this is the end,” he told Bulgarian sports newspaper Tema Sport in a telephone interview.
“I am starting the fight for my life and I will fight.”
