By Paul Brown

Former Villa midfielder Robert Pires has added his voice to millions by wishing Stan Petrov well in his leukaemia battle.

Pires may have only been a claret and blue player for one season but he says that's all it took to recognise Petrov as a fantastic person, brilliant player and tremendous captain.

He is reluctant to disturb Petrov at present because of his treatment but issued the rallying call: "Keep up the fight, Stan!"

He said: "I played only one season with him, but I can tell you that Stan is a fantastic person. As captain of the Villa team, he has always set an example to the whole team.

"He was the first to come to the training base and the last to leave it.

"On the pitch Petrov always tries to give his best. That's the reason why the people in Birmingham love him so much. I am proud to know him personally.

"I don't think it is the right moment to disturb Stan now. These are difficult and delicate times for his family.

"Now they have to be stronger than ever, while we, his friends should pray for him. Though this interview I want to tell him: "Keep up the fight, Stan!"

Petrov started treatment for acute leukaemia at the beginning of April, full of hope and determination.

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