Aston Villa have announced that captain Stiliyan Petrov is now in remission from acute leukaemia.
The 32-year-old was diagnosed with the disease in March and has since been seeking medical treatment in London.
The club released a statement, which said: "Stan would like to take this opportunity to express his deep gratitude to the medical staff who have looked after him so well since his condition was diagnosed just over four months ago.
"He also wishes to place on record again his profound sense of appreciation for the incredible outpouring of love and support he has received from Villa fans, his teammates and colleagues at the club, as well as football fans and many more people around the world during this period.
"Stan's fight is not over. There will be further battles to overcome in the days, weeks and months ahead."
The West Midlands club confirmed last month that Petrov will remain as the club captain while he recovers.
Danielle Joynson
