There are few stories in football more inspiring than that of Stilyan Petrov.
The Bulgarian international midfielder was diagnosed with leukaemia in March 2012, and ultimately retired from football after fighting to beat the disease.
But four years on, Petrov has returned to the game, with former club Aston Villa welcoming him back into the squad for the 2016/17 close-season.
And the 37-year-old stepped out onto a football pitch in Villa claret and blue for the first time since his diagnosis, playing 45 minutes in a pre-season victory over Austrian club Gak 1902.
What a sight! @StanPetrov19 back in the #AVFC shirt. 😍😍😍 #AVFCinAustria pic.twitter.com/VqT1RRVvi0
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) July 9, 2016
Villa won the game 8-0, but the scoreline took second billing to the return of a club legend.
Petrov made more than 200 appearances in his first Villa spell, having also played for Celtic and CSKA Sofia earlier in his career, and was club captain when the Villans finished sixth in the Premier League in the 2009/10 season.
Fans have greeted his return with a mixture of shock and pride, as few ever expected him to return to the game, even after beating cancer.
https://twitter.com/ChrisMNee/status/751841903784624129
There are just no words.
Stan Petrov is playing football for Aston Villa.
— Holtecast (@HoltecastPod) July 9, 2016
Team-mate Jack Grealish grew up watching Petrov play for Villa, and this was the first time he had a chance to share a pitch with the club icon.
What an absolute pleasure to play on the same pitch again as this man! So happy for u mate ❤️⚽️ @StanPetrov19 pic.twitter.com/jmhYdovz8B
— Jack Grealish (@JackGrealish) July 9, 2016
Supporters of other clubs also chipped in with well-wishes – even those of rivals Birmingham City.
https://twitter.com/kingcav9/status/751852174053871616
