Player Profile: Stliyan Petrov

Squad Number: 19 Position: Midfield Nationality: Bulgaria D.O.B: 5 July 1979 Birthplace: Montana, Bulgaria Signed: Celtic 2006(£8mil)

 

Stiliyan Petrov was Martin O'Neills first signing when he took over at Villa Park in a deal worth £8million from Scottish champions Celtic on the 30th August, 2006.

Stiliyan hasnt produced the goal rate he was known for in Scotland but hes been a solid midfielder and is work rate being second to none has made him a fans favourite.

Petrov made his debut on the 10th September at Upton Park against West Ham United. He didnt score his first goal until 11 December when he scored a scorcher against Sheffield United.

Before Aston Villa

Stiliyan Petrov began his career at CSKA Sofia and was soon signed by Scottish giants Celtic. He was a big fans favourite in Scotland scoring 55 goals in 228 appearances for the club.

International

Stiliyan Petrov retired from international football on the 12 October 2006 for as long as Bulgarian manager Hiristov Stoichkov was in charge of the Bulgarian national team. However, after talks with the Bulgarian FA he made himself available again in March 2007.

Petrov has represented his country 71 times, scoring 7 goals.