Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov thanks fans for support

Stiliyan Petrov has spoken for the first time since receiving the news that his Leukaemia is in remission.

The Aston Villa captain has said that he is feeling fine and thanked fans for their support during his treatment for the disease.

Petrov also paid a special tribute to Villa masseurs Alex Butler, Andy Smith and former England midfielder Geoff Thomas after they completed a fundraising bike ride in aid of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

He told Sky Sports News: "I'm fine but it's been hard and tough so far but, thankfully, everything is going in the right direction.

"I've been looked after really well by the people in the hospital and so far everything is going in the right direction.

"I'm really grateful to them and I'm grateful to all of the people who have sent messages of support to me. I appreciate all of this very much."

Petrov was diagnosed with acute Leukaemia in March, provoking widespread sadness and messages of support from the wider football community.