Aston Villa legend Petrov calls time over applause

The claret and blue faithful have supported Petrov since he was diagnosed with acute leukaemia last year.

Petrov is now in remission, although he has been forced to retire and is assistant to Gordon Cowans with Villa's under-21 squad.

The 34-year-old hailed Villa fans but has moved to call time on the applause at every game, which matched his squad number.

"Fans have asked me about it and I want to make clear that it was a great thing from the Villa fans, an unbelievable gesture which meant so much to me and my family through some of the toughest periods we had to endure," he said.

"The fans have shown me so much love, support and respect and I will hold this forever in my heart.

"But we all have to move on. I know they will always be beside me, they're with me and I'm in their thoughts. That's a precious and very humbling thing."

Petrov made 219 appearances for Villa after a £6.5m switch from Celtic in 2006 and will play in a Stiliyan XI against Celtic XI at Celtic Park on September 8.

Meanwhile, Villa were today awaiting fresh contact from Crystal Palace amid reports that the Premier new-boys are preparing an offer for Darren Bent.

Claims from London suggest the Eagles will offer to pay £40,000 of Bent's £65,000-per-week wages as well as an initial loan fee and an extra payment if they avoid relegation.