Stiliyan Petrov illness ‘hit players hard’ says Gabriel Agbonlahor

GABRIEL Agbonlahor admits Aston Villa’s players have been affected by Stiliyan Petrov being diagnosed with acute leukaemia but is backing the midfielder to win his battle to overcome the illness.

Petrov started treatment for his condition this week in a London hospital and, in his absence, Agbonlahor has been installed as Villa captain. But the England striker will be a happy man if he has to hand the armband back to Petrov as it will mean he has made a full recovery.

Agbonlahor said: “The news about Stan [Petrov] was a massive shock. For someone who’s as healthy as Stan, it was very shocking. But he showed bravery to come to the Chelsea game at the weekend.

“He knew he would have been asked a lot of questions and came and showed what a big effect he [has on] the players and also what a big captain and we’re all ready for him to battle through this.

“It’s hit the players hard. I think they showed great fight on Saturday for Stiliyan and were unfortunate not to get the right result.

“I think everyone’s close to Stan anyway and everyone’s been in contact with him, and he’s going to keep in contact with everyone on his progress.

“He’s been fantastic for this club, and everyone is hoping that he can get through this and then come back and captain us all again.”