Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov has announced his decision to retire from the game as he fights against acute leukaemia.
• Villa star Petrov battling leukaemia
Petrov, 32, was diagnosed with the condition on Friday after falling ill with a virus after the game against Arsenal last weekend. He has made 30 appearances for the club this season in all competitions.
Speaking to Bulgarian sports daily Tema Sport, Petrov said on Saturday: "Football is over, this is the end. I am now beginning to fight for my life and I will fight.
"I lost my energy early in the second half [at Arsenal] and it was very unusual for me.
"But this is life, you see we drank a coffee in London a week ago and now we're talking about things like this.
"I'll fight, it's clear and I also would like to thank everyone for the support from all around the world."
