Dietmar Hamann: 'Stiliyan Petrov's retirement puts Sir Alex Ferguson's in perspective'

Former Liverpool and Manchester City midfielder Dietmar Hamann believes that Stiliyan Petrov's retirement announcement puts the "hype" of Sir Alex Ferguson's exit into perspective.

The Aston Villa captain has decided to call time on his playing career following a 14-month battle with acute leukaemia.

The Bulgarian's announcement comes a day after 71-year-old Manchester United boss Ferguson decided to step down from his role after 26 years at Old Trafford.

Hamann wrote on Twitter: "Sad to hear Stiliyan Petrovs retirement from football. I hope he'll be fine. Puts all the hype about SAFs retirement into perspective."

The 33-year-old, who plans to set up his own charity to help people suffering from the disease, is currently in remission following a year of treatment.