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Stiliyan Petrov has politely suggested the claret and blue faithful should end their emotional 19th minute tribute to him, saying: “We all have to move on.”

Villa supporters and other football fans have come together in support of the inspirational former captain throughout his brave battle against acute leukaemia.

During each home and away game since he was diagnosed with the disease, the 19th minute has been a cue for loud applause and the chanting of his name.

Petrov is now in remission and after being forced to retire from playing has taken up a role assisting Gordon Cowans coach Villa’s under-21 development squad.

Manager Paul Lambert told fans at a forum last week that the time had come to stop the tribute because ‘Stan’ had won his gruelling fight against cancer.

And Petrov has now admitted that “we all have to move on” after admitting how moved and humbled he and his family have been by the warm gesture of goodwill.

“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,” Petrov added.

“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 and I have no problem with this. In fact, 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.

“When I went through the toughest times they stood beside me and I’ll never forget this.

“I know the fans will support the team this season in the same way they supported me because they showed how united they are and, as a club, we are looking forward together to the kind of exciting season it promises to be.”

Petrov will be pulling on his boots for the first time in almost a year and a half as part of a Stiliyan XI against a Celtic XI in a charity match at Celtic Park on September 8.

Lambert, his former teammate and midfield partner with the Bhoys, will also be taking part in the game and Petrov said: “I’m really happy that the manager has agreed to play a part in my game on September 8.

“The way he looks he might be ready to play the whole 90 minutes!”.

“If the training goes well for me, who knows? I’m definitely working hard and getting fitter to play a part in the game and I can’t wait for it.

“I’m really excited and I’m really excited about launching my foundation."