Former Aston Villa player Stiliyan Petrov is back and scoring goals for a Solihull Sunday league side

Former Aston Villa player Stiliyan Petrov is back and scoring goals for a Solihull Sunday league side

Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter by email with the day's key headlines and transfer news Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Aston Villa hero Stiliyan Petrov is back - and scoring goals for a Solihull Sunday league side.

The former claret and blue captain, who bravely battled leukemia, now wears the Number 10 shirt for Wychall Wanderers over 35s in Shirley, reports the Birmingham Mail.

The mud of Tythe Barn Lane may be a long way from Villa Park but Petrov - in remission from the disease that struck in 2012 - stressed the buzz is back.

"It's a good laugh and they're competitive games," said the man known as Stan by fans. "It's just really nice to be out there playing a proper game."

The 35-year-old is not the only famous face in Wanderers' line-up. Former Coventry City defender Dave Busst, who suffered a horrific, career-ending injury in 1996, is also a squad member and manager.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Stiliyan, now 35, has made three appearances for Wychall, scoring in a 5-3 cup victory. "I've played 90 minutes and my fitness is improving," the former Bulgarian international said, "but I need to be patient."

The midfield dynamo has certainly made his mark in the Central Warwickshire League Premier One Sivision. Wanderers have lost only one of their last three games.

"As far as positions, you have to go where you're needed," he laughed.

"Sometimes only 12 players are there."

Stiliyan has lost none of his competitive edge. "The one game, we were winning 2-0 and they had a different man marking me every ten minutes."

And that one goal was a moment to savour for the star who announced his retirement in May, 2013. "Maybe Sky Sports will show it," he grinned.

"I do get asked for autographs and pictures after matches. I meet a lot of Villa fans and it is great to chat to them.

Stiliyan Petrov Aston Villa career (2006-12) 185 League games 9 League goals

"I'll be there again on Sunday, but don't ask me who we're playing."

The park football appearances are testament to the determination of a man once so gravely ill his agent announced: "Stiliyan has said he is fighting for his life and he will fight to recover."

"The supporters have been great and I always had a positive attitude,'' said the former Villa star.

"Everything is fine, touch wood. There are only three months to go on tablets and I'm finished. I'm on steroids until January."

Wanderers' secretary John Busst - Dave's dad - paid a glowing tribute to the soccer legend. "The most amazing thing is that he's such a lovely, down-to-earth chap. He comes along, pays his subs and has a drink with the lads.

"He is amazing. Players of that class, such is their footballing brain, they are three or four moves ahead even if they are only 40 or 50 per cent fit.

"He scored, and it was a good goal. On Sunday, we won our first league game 2-1 and he made both goals."