Stiliyan Petrov, a former Celtic midfielder, has revealed that he joined a local Sunday League Over-35s team just 18 months after being diagnosed with cancer. Petrov was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2012 after undergoing tests when he developed a fever during a Premier League clash while playing for Aston Villa. However, this did not stop him from playing football. Petrov announced his retirement from the game in May 2013 aged 34. The Bulgarian and his former Villa team-mate James Milner organised a special charity match at Parkhead in September later that year to honour the Hoops legend. But despite hanging up his boots in 2013, he was ready to stick them back on less than 18 months later as he joined a local Sunday League Over-35s side Wychall Wanderers.
Petrov’s reasons behind joining the club and getting back into the game were simple – he loved football! He spent three years with the club after helping them get to the top tier of Over-35s football in England. Also in the side was ex-Northern Irish goalkeeper Maik Taylor and former Coventry City defender David Busst. Mark Bellingham – Jude Bellingham’s dad – was in the team too after being a prolific non-league striker in his hay day.
The Bulgarian legend took things very seriously and even demanded his team-mates not to drink the night before a match. Speaking to FourFourTwo, he said: “I loved it. I joined Wychall Wanderers when they were in the second tier of the Over-35s. We went up to the top level and bossed it for three years in a row. The boys weren’t happy with me because I put rules in place. We’d meet up for breakfast in the morning and I’d tell them not to drink the night before! We had a formidable side and great characters: Maik Taylor, David Busst, Mark Bellingham – Jude’s dad. It was all about the love of football.”
Petrov’s story is one of resilience and determination. Despite being diagnosed with cancer, he did not let it stop him from doing what he loved – playing football. He retired from professional football but continued to play the game at a local level, showing that his love for the sport was not just limited to the professional game. Petrov’s story is an inspiration to many who may be going through tough times and shows that with determination, anything is possible.
Petrov’s decision to join a local Sunday League Over-35s team also shows that football is not just limited to the professional game. There are many opportunities for people to play the sport at a local level, whether it be in a Sunday league or a five-a-side tournament. Football is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, and Petrov’s story is a testament to this.
In conclusion, Petrov’s story is one of resilience, determination and love for the game of football. Despite being diagnosed with cancer, he did not let it stop him from playing the sport he loved. His decision to join a local Sunday League Over-35s team also shows that football is not just limited to the professional game and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Petrov’s story is an inspiration to many and shows that with determination, anything is possible.