Stiliyan Petrov 'excited' after accepting Aston Villa coach role

Former Aston Villa club captain Stiliyan Petrov has accepted a new role as an assistant to the club's development coach Gordon Cowans.

The 33-year-old announced his retirement on 9 May, having battled successfully against acute leukaemia.

He made 218 appearances for Villa in all competitions and earned 107 caps for Bulgaria in a 17-year career.

"I'm very excited and I wish to thank the club and manager for giving me the opportunity," Petrov said.

"I will study for my coaching badges over the coming months and I am looking forward to working with Gordon Cowans, someone I know and respect, a true Villa legend."

With his leukaemia in remission since August 2012, Petrov is determined to pass on his experience on and off the field to the next generation of players.

"My hope is that I can assist Gordon through my own experience in the game and that I can help the young lads to progress, become better players and better human beings," said Petrov. "There are important values that we have always stood for at the club and we will continue to do so.

"The main thing for me, however, is that it is not for sentimental reasons that I will be taking up this role but because I have something to contribute."

Petrov who also played for CSKA Sofia, joined Villa in 2006 from Celtic for £6.5m, having spent seven seasons in Scotland.

Villa manager Paul Lambert added: "I'm delighted that Stiliyan will be assisting Gordon when the new season gets under way and, as much as he's offered this football club in a distinguished playing career, I know he'll have more still to offer in the years to come.

"His qualities will be put to good, practical use now and he'll have a key role to play for Villa, that's for sure."