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Aston Villa club legend Stiliyan Petrov will be returning with the first-team to pre-season training this summer, it was announced by the club earlier today.

The Bulgarian will also be heading to Austria for a pre-season camp as he tries to earn a contract from new boss Roberto Di Matteo.

Following the news, which was largely applauded by the supporters, the midfielder took to Twitter to thank the fans and also to plead for their support further.

He wrote: "Im so happy I've been given the opportunity to join @AVFCOfficial 1st team for pre-season. I've put a lot of hard work to come to this stage and the last hurdle will be even tougher but Im physically and mentally prepared to jump over it!

"Thanks a lot for all your continuous support and I hope you all get behind the team whatever my outcome is! They need you more than ever."

Gregg on Stan