Aston Villa's Stiliyan Petrov Diagnosed with Acute Leukemia

Aston Villa and Bulgaria captain Stiliyan Petrov has been diagnosed with acute leukemia.

The 32-year-old underwent a medical workup this week after developing a fever following Villa's match against Arsenal last weekend.

Blood tests confirmed the initial diagnosis on Friday.

The club released a statement on that read in part (from Aston Villa's official website):

"

"We expect to learn more about Stiliyan's situation in due course and we have moved quickly to support him and his family.

During this time we ask that Stiliyan's privacy is placed ahead of all inquiries and trust that we will share information as we receive it.

Stiliyan is cherished by many and he will get from Villa every ounce of love and support that we have to help bring this to a positive conclusion."

"

Villa owner Randy Lerner and CEO Paul Faulkner spoke to the media on Friday. Faulkner expressed his shock at the news of Petrov's condition.

"

"I was completely stunned to hear this news about Stiliyan," Faulkner said. "After our game last weekend, we initially thought that he was suffering from a virus and, like the true leader and consummate professional that he is, he had simply played through it, giving his all for his teammates and the club.

"I was expecting and hoping that he would recover and lead the team out at Villa Park tomorrow against Chelsea, as he's done on so many other occasions."

"

Lerner reiterated the sentiments expressed in the club statement saying, "We are completely focused on Stiliyan and his family," but also emphasized that the club will remain focused on their on-field goals. Lerner told reporters:

"

"We also remain conscious that focus is the key for Villa to playing well in tomorrow's game against Chelsea and to finishing the season as strongly as possible."

"

Fans have already begun plans to honor Petrov during Saturday's game against Chelsea. A Twitter campaign is asking Villa fans in attendance to stand and applaud in the 19th minute of the match. The gesture is meant as a tribute to Petrov, who wears jersey number 19.

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish talked to reporters on Friday in reaction to the news:

"

"I spoke to him about half an hour ago and he was typical Stan—defiant," McLeish said. He is concerned, obviously, about how it has affected his loved ones. Everybody here is behind Stan and everybody will be pretty shocked by the news."

"He is the captain, a leader, a defiant guy. He has fought many battles on the pitch before and I'm sure this is one he will win."

"

McLeish said he had not spoken to the rest of the Villa squad regarding Petrov's diagnosis. But many of those players took to Twitter to express their support.

Forward Darren Bent (from @darrenbent):

"

"Really sad news to hear about our captain Stan Petrov. hopefully he'll be back fighting fit soon. Thoughts are with him and his family. KTF"

"

Keeper Shay Given (from @no1shaygiven):

"

"In shock about Stiliyan Petrov acute leukaemia but we are all here for him and his family. Please God he makes a full recovery. #prayforstan"

"

Keeper Brad Guzan (from @bguzan):

"

"Gutted to hear the news about stan! Thoughts and prayers to him and his family! Stay strong pal!"

"

Defender Carlos Cuellar (from @cuellar24):

"

"I feel very sad with the new of our captain Petrov,our support for him and his family,he is very strong and will win this battle"

"

Petrov has made more than 180 appearances for Aston Villa since joining the club in 2006. Before joining Villa, the 32-year-old spent seven full seasons at Celtic where he played more than 220 times.

Petrov has also earned 105 caps with Bulgaria.

It is unclear whether he will ever play again.