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Personal
Fullname: Stiliyan Alyoshev Petrov-Stenly
aka: Stilian Petrov, Stiliyan Petrov, Stan Petrov
Height: 5.10
Weight: 11.05 st
Born: 5 July 1979
Birthplace: Montana, Bulgaria
Signed: 29 July 1999
Left: 30 Aug 2006 (to Aston Villa)
Position: Midfielder, attacking
Debut: Dundee Utd 2-1 Celtic, League, 13 Aug 1999
Internationals: Bulgaria
International Caps: 106
International Goals: 8
Summary
Born on 5th of July 1979, in Bulgaria
Petrov was signed by Barnes/Dalglish in July 1999 for £2M from CSKA Sofia
A 2 year extension was sign in March 2003 [BBC], with a further 3 year extension signed in 2006 [BBC]
Sold to Aston Villa on 30/08/2006 for £6.5m rising to £8m depending on appearances (Martin O’Neill‘s first signing for Aston Villa). [BBC]
Biog
| “At a club like this, it is always important to have players who know the history.” Stiliyan Petrov |
Stan Petrov began his career with his local side FC Montana in 1996, aged 16. He was spotted there by PFC CSKA Sofia’s legendary scout Dimitar Penev as a precocious talent, and in 1998 they paid €30,000 for Stan Petrov. After only 38 league appearances and 3 goals, Celtic paid £2M (€4.5M) for the young Bulgarian on 29 July 1999 and became Bulgaria’s then most expensive footballing export.
Signed by John Barnes, Stan Petrov was to be given the curious accolade of being the only good signing that came during the John Barnes era. Taking in that alongside Petrov, Barnes had signed other such luminaries like Raphael Scheidt and Eyal Berkovic, you take what you like from that common viewpoint, but thankfully he wasn’t ultimately to be lumped in with the others.
Stan Petrov took a big step personally coming to Celtic, admitting that he knew next to nothing of the language. Doesn’t help that Glasgow has one of the more unique English speaking dialects and parochial slangs. In these circumstances, Petrov wanted to learn fast and picked one of the most curious ways to go about it. A friend of his owned a burger van, and suggested that Petrov join him behind the counter and that way he’d pick up fast. Petrov took up the challenge and the more eagle eyed customers were left bedazzled to see that they had just been served by one of their team’s new players.
That tale may make us chuckle, but it was a perfect education, and even many years later after living in Birmingham he’d still kept much of his Glaswegian accent. He loved Glasgow and it was great to see it remaining part of him. The experience of being new to a country was something he hadn’t forgotten, and he was one to always help out new players at Celtic. For example, Polish player Zurawski noted how much Petrov helped him on his arrival having come in similar circumstances. It definitely marked Petrov up highly as much as a person as great he was a footballer.
He made his Scottish League debut as a substitute against Dundee United in a 2-1 defeat at Tannadice Park on 13 August 1999. He made little impact in his first Scottish season mainly due to being unsettled, homesick and played out of position with John Barnes playing him at right-back on occasion. People had actually given Petrov little notice at first, the turmoil around the rest of the club was overshadowing this high profile signing. It gave Petrov some time to settle in.
Things were to improve dramatically under new manager Martin O’Neill, as Celtic won the Scottish Premier League and both major domestic cups, and Petov was to play a large part in this. Transformed from a defensive player to an attacking central midfield role, he was to come to the fore of his game and to the notice of all the support.
As a measure of his value, Petrov was voted 2001 Scottish Premier League Young Player of the Year, despite a period out the game following breaking his leg at McDiarmid Park in March. He was back from injury by August, and was a regular starter in Celtic’s 2001/02 UEFA Champions League campaign, with Celtic retaining the league title the same year. He was in his prime and Celtic were reaping the benefits from his midfield ability. Generally a attacking player, he worked alongside Lambert, Lennon & Thompson which formed a cracking midfield unit each excelling in their own specialities. Together they provided the opportunities for Sutton & Larsson to score the barrowloads they did.
It wasn’t just in Scotland where his value was appreciated. In 2001, Stan was such a national hero in Bulgaria that they broadcast his wedding live on television.
Petrov was a first-team regular again in 2002/03, scoring 12 goals in 34 league games and helping the club reach the UEFA Cup final, where we lost to FC Porto. Along with most of the squad, he played his heart out in the season, and his stature with the fans was high, and still on the rise. A difficult game and like all the others he deserved more. He’d been a stalwart in the side all season.
Stan Petrov was simply a phenomenally good player. He may have been bought whilst under the much discredited John Barnes regime, where he started as a right-back, but under Martin O’Neill he was moved to midfield and flourished. An important component, he was very much at the fore in attacking formations, leading by example. He wasn’t a selfish player and fed passes and tracked back when required, and many a time can be said to have been amongst our most important players during Martin O’Neill’s reign.
It wasn’t just link-up that he excelled at, and he chipped in with plenty of goals as well, giving the squad some added firepower. He truly was an icon for many. He was overshadowed by players like Larsson, Sutton and Lambert but Petrov was no less important to the team.
As he had come through from the nadir under John Barnes to the heights under Martin O’Neill, he was just adored by the support. Must add that he also relayed his emotions quite clearly. There has unlikely been a player who could express his emotions as much as he could through his face. Just flick through a collection of his old match pictures to see. He really expressed his joy when he scored and his anger when he needed to vent it at whoever the victim was.
The following season (2003-04), Stan Petrov excelled as Celtic roared to the league title in what was the greatest season under O’Neill. He scored six goals in 35 games and was also on target in the Scottish Cup final victory against Dunfermline capping off a great year which also saw Celtic defeat Barcelona in the UEFA Cup over two legs to reach the quarter-finals. He was a pivotal player and no junior now, and led by example.
In January 2006 Stan Petrov signed a new deal with Celtic committing him to the club until 2010 and by April he helped Celtic claim their 40th Scottish title. Three months after signing the contract extension Celtic rejected a written transfer request submitted by Stan Petrov, he was then linked with a transfer to move to Aston Villa.
Stan Petrov said he hoped that Celtic would agree to sell him before the transfer window closes. “Everyone in Celtic knows the situation, I’ve expressed my desire to leave many times,” he said. The next day (August 30) Stan Petrov was reunited with manager Martin O’Neill after completing a move from Celtic to Aston Villa on a four-year deal worth £6.5M, a fee which could rise to £8M in the future.
Truth is that at the end of this time at Celtic, things had got a bit frayed and he was sulking at the presentation of the league trophy, which was sad to see from him. His loss to the squad was no easy space to fill. A combative hard working midfielder like himself, he gave his all to the team, and scored some scorchers against Rangers (for one goal he was even given a full drink of coca-cola in the face from a Rangers fan as he celebrated the goal).
In many ways, it was no surprise he left as after seven years, as what more could he give? Many had expected that he was going to leave after a couple of years, but he stood with us even after the disaster of the Barnes era, and under Martin O’Neill he grew in stature. For that we respect him, there were many great moments with him in the side and he helped play a great part in some sublime goals working off of players like Larsson.
As a combative box to box goalscoring midfielder he was not easy to replace, and he wasn’t adequately replaced for a number of years.
National team
He made his international debut on March 27 1999 against Belgium in a 1-0 win.
Despite appearing over 60 times for his country, in October 2006 Stan Petrov shocked Bulgarian football by retiring from the national side aged just 27, promising not to return whilst Hristo Stoichkov managed the Bulgarian national team. However, just a few months later, Petrov patched up his differences with the coach, made himself available for selection for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Albania and was re-called. Too good a player to lose
Post-Celtic
Stories abounded in his first year away that he was not enjoying his move and was looking to come back, but since then he fitted in well and many would have been happy with that he had settled at Aston Villa. As of season 2009/2010, manager Martin O’Neill made Stan the first team captain of Aston Villa, and he was a mainstay in their squad. His game-style though changed at Villa, becoming more defensive than attacking which was quite an interesting change for him, coming full circle having started at Celtic in the defence.
Sadly, in 2012 he was diagnosed with Leukaemia, which effectively ended his playing career, formally retiring in May 2013 although had stopped long before. It was a sad way to end to his playing days but a more important battle was to be won and all were behind this great player for support.
He had definitely not lost his love for Celtic, and returned on occasions speaking regularly and warmly on both the club and support.
As a mark of respect and assistance for his condition, a benefit match with proceeds going to charity was held in his honour on 8 Sep 2013 at Celtic Park with many luminaries from across football & outside attending, Celtic XI 3-5 Stiliyan XI. It was a genuinely emotional match, and Petrov was in tears and so were the support. It’s hard to describe the mutual love there is now between him and the support, and any silly past indiscretions are swept away. Watching him on the pitch with his family was special.
In March 2023, he played in front of 48,000 supporters for a ‘Celtic Legends‘ select side (which he also captained) at Anfield v their Liverpool counterparts in a charity match in March 2023, winning the chance to relive old glories. You could clearly see the joy in his face at being back in a Celtic shirt, and very welcome he was too.
If anyone wishes to understand the culture, community and spirit of Celtic, then there are fewer better to illustrate this than Stan Petrov.
Quotes
“I remember when I was a young player at CSKA Sofia and the good life was all I was interested in. Celtic came in for me and I moved to Glasgow, to another country, to a new world. I didn’t speak the language and I thought it would never happen for me. I knew nobody. Fortunately, I met people who helped me to turn my life around. I came to know great teammates who showed me the proper way, the way I had to be if I was going to be a serious professional and compete at a high level. I came to appreciate so much the opportunity to work with that level of professional people because it made me something like them. At Celtic Football Club and at Aston Villa Football Club I was privileged to live a life competing at a high level and playing the game I love, supported by the most passionate fans….. Each and every day I thank God for giving me the opportunity to still be with my family.”
Stan Petrov (2013)
“It was a pleasure to play alongside such a great footballer, but, for me, I’m even luckier to call him my friend.”
Neil Lennon (2013)
“At a club like this, it is always important to have players who know the history.”
Stiliyan Petrov
“He [Stiliyan Petrov] got a bit homesick for Glasgow – which is a bit strange considering he’s a Bulgarian.”
Martin O’Neill
Playing Career
| APPEARANCES (subs) |
LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | LEAGUE CUP | EUROPE | TOTAL |
| 1999-2006 | 215 (13) | 15 (3) | 9 (5) | 49 (2) | 288 (23) |
| Goals: | 55 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 64 |
Honours with Celtic
UEFA Cup runners-up
Scottish Premier League
Scottish League Cup
Scottish Cup
Scottish Premier League Young Player of the Year
- 2001
Pictures
Matches
- Tribute Match: Benefit match 2013-09-08: Celtic XI 3-5 Stiliyan XI, Friendly
Stan will always be a top Bhoy By: Laura Brannan on 01 Aug, 2013 14:54
Celticfc.net
How does it feel to be back at Celtic Park?
Very emotional. It was very emotional for my son as well. It was his first time back since we left Glasgow and he was really excited. He was taking pictures and recording things, and we stayed up until 2am talking about it. He said to me he wants to move back and live here. He really loves it.
You found it difficult to settle in Scotland when you first arrived, didn’t you?
Yes, it was very difficult. I was only 19-years-old and I didn’t speak a word of English, nothing at all. It was really difficult understanding the language, the training, the way of working, the way of being a professional. But I had great players and team-mates who showed me the way, and a friend who helped me a lot, teaching me English, especially parts of the body so that when I was injured I could explain where I was sore. I had a lot of help on and off the pitch and I realised that if I wanted to become something, and be a part of this great team, then I´d have to work harder, get everything right and become a better professional.
When did you start to feel like Scotland was home?
When I started to speak the language I could be involved in more conversations with my team-mates and start meeting new people. My wife, who was my girlfriend at the time, came over here and I started to settle in more, that´s when I started to feel like it was my home. After a short time I realised it was going to be a place I would never forget and I was right. We still miss Scotland.
How much of a difference did Martin O´Neill make to your Celtic career?
Martin O´Neill was a guy who would demand a lot from his players. I remember when he came I was overweight and I wasn’t ready for pre-season. He watched sessions and pulled me aside. He told me straight that I needed to lose weight, get into shape and get fitter. He said that he saw my ability to play but he would give me the pre-season to show that I could do what he wanted of me. I worked really hard in that pre-season and did everything right, I lost the weight, I started playing well, and a few months into the season he showed that he trusted me and believed in me. He was a big part in my development as a player. The team went on to win treble that season.
Did that exceed your expectations?
That´s when all the special time started. It was like a rollercoaster with the treble and all the great players and characters in the dressing room. At that time I couldn’t really celebrate the treble because I broke my leg and missed the end of the season, but the manager brought the cup and my medal round to my house. After the game he said to me I deserved to be a part of it and the team were waiting for me.
Where does the Road to Seville and the UEFA Cup final sit in terms of your Celtic highlights?
That was probably the highest point of my time at Celtic. We had an incredible journey as a team, the fans and the club as a whole. The build-up to every game was special – then all the wins and celebrations, it was incredible. Of course, we were disappointed after the final but that´s the way it goes sometimes in football, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.
Do you have a particular memory from playing at Celtic Park that stands out?
The memories are of every single time I was out there in Celtic Park, having the support of 60,000 fans and having the privilege to play with all of these players. I played with some great players and great characters. It was an incredible time.
And what about a favourite goal?
All the goals stand out. People ask all the time which one I would take but I would take them all. Every moment I scored a goal and every moment I pulled that shirt on it was a special moment for me.
And finally Stan, do you have a message for the Celtic supporters?
I want to thank you very much. You have always been faithful to this club and you have given me unbelievable support. You should keep going the way you have been so far because you are a great family. It is a privilege for every player to play for you.
Stiliyan Petrov on Celtic dressing room chaos under John Barnes as fights and cliques made settling in hard
Petrov arrived at Parkhead as a 19-year-old and encountered a dressing room that the manage that little control over.
Sport
ByRoss Pilcher
14:08, 27 MAR 2023
Stylian Petrov during a charity match between Liverpool Legends and Celtic Legends at Anfield
Stiliyan Petrov struggled to settle into life at Celtic due to the dressing room chaos that reigned under John Barnes.
The Bulgarian arrived at Parkhead as a fresh faced 19-year-old under the Liverpool legend, but his time in charge was a turbulent one that ended after a shock Scottish Cup defeat to Inverness Caledonian Thistle. As a young recent arrival who spoke little English, Petrov struggled to make much sense of what was going on.
But he knew enough to realise that all was not well, with fights breaking out regularly and clear cliques forming amongst the squad and Barnes had little control over the big characters. He told FourFourTwo: “I couldn’t understand much of what was going on, due to the language barrier, but there was always fighting I could see little cliques and problems. He couldn’t control the powerful characters. It was John’s first job since retiring as a player, and a big one for him.
“The team was winning, but we had many internal issues. The players weren’t giving everything for him. Sometimes a job can come a bit too early for someone, but that doesn’t mean they’re a bad manager.”
Things improved for the club and Petrov himself after Martin O’Neill came in, leading the Hoops to a Treble in his first season. Petrov added: “He was clear about what he wanted. He took the players he needed from the previous era – the ones with character, fire and quality – and built his own team.
“He brought in Alan Thompson, Chris Sutton, Neil Lennon, Bobo Balde, Joos Valgaeren – huge players for us. Martin knew how to build a team of warriors. We didn’t fear anyone; we played Barcelona, Lyon and Liverpool, and we weren’t scared. Teams feared us when they came to Celtic Park. We had such togetherness and we had winners, and we were hungry for success.”