Stiliyan Petrov announces surprise return to professional football to help Aston Villa

What an inspiration.

Stiliyan Petrov is not your average footballer, and once again, the former Celtic man has proven beyond doubt his hero status. The midfielder was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2012, but was given the all-clear in 2015 from the terrible disease. The 36-year-old former Aston Villa captain has been an anxious observer as the club slipped into the Premier league relegation dogfight this season, with their demotion confirmed earlier this month. However, over the last 18 months he has been slowly building back up his strength and fitness, and Tuesday made a remarkable claim that should put a pep in the step of football fans everywhere. The Bulgarian has been training with Villa's Under-21s this season, and at an event today promoting his Stiliyan Petrov Foundation, he told reporters that he wants to do anything he can to help his club regain their top-flight status.

"I am announcing my return to football. I have looked after myself quite good and I think I have a big shot. “Villa's new manager will come in and I will run this through him. “But I plan to train in pre-season and take it from there." https://twitter.com/StanPetrov19/status/586297529408585728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

His comeback from cancer to play professional football again would be a remarkable story for a man who had to put his life and career on hold to battle for his life. Currently without a manager, Aston Villa are likely to see a number of their first team players depart this summer, which could allow Petrov stake a claim to returning to first-team football if the coaches at the club deem him to be fit enough. Last year Petrov was lining out for Wychall Wanderers, and helped deliver the Central Warwickshire Over-35s Premier Division One cup final.