Petrov keeps Villa armband

Stiliyan Petrov will remain as Aston Villa captain as he continues his battle with acute leukaemia, the club have confirmed.

The Bulgaria international missed the finale of last season after being diagnosed with the illness in March and has since been undergoing regular treatment.

Petrov was, however, present at Villa's Bodymoor Heath training complex today to celebrate his 33rd birthday as his team-mates reported back for pre-season training.

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