Petrov thanks fans for 'incredible' support
Reuters - Friday 20 April 2012, 08:58
Bulgaria captain Stiliyan Petrov
has expressed his gratitude to fans back home for their support
as he battles acute leukaemia.
Sports Minister Svilen Neykov and Sofia mayor Yordanka
Fandukova joined thousands of fans and officials at the Vasil
Levski national stadium late on Thursday to show their support
for Petrov.
"I want to thank you with all my heart for the incredible
support you show in this difficult time for me and my family,"
Petrov said in an address recorded in London and played at the
stadium.
"There are ordeals in life in which we must be stronger than
ever, and I think I have enough strength and faith to cope. I do
believe that together we will win this match too," added Petrov,
who has started treatment at a London hospital.
The time and date of the event - 19:00 on April 19 - were
chosen to commemorate Petrov's shirt number at his English
Premier League club Aston Villa as the emotional gathering was
broadcast live on several television channels.
The event was part of the "Bulgaria for Stiliyan" campaign,
which started on social networks and got the backing of the
Bulgarian Football Union.
Citizens of Petrov's hometown Montana wrote a 19-meters
letter of support at a downtown square while fans chanted his
name and wished him a speedy recovery.
Petrov, who has made more than 100 appearances for Bulgaria,
was part of Montana's junior team before joining CSKA Sofia in
1996.
"I'm praying for him every night," said Margarita Berbatova,
mother of Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov. "Stiliyan
is like my son and I'm happy to see that all of us want to show
how much we love him."