Former Premier League star’s son is announced as a Reform UK candidate for Nigel Farage’s party
Stiliyan Petrov Jnr, son of the former Celtic and Aston Villa midfielder who bears the same name, is making a move into politics.
Petrov Snr was renowned for a seven-year spell at Celtic between 1999 and 2006 where he won 10 trophies, including four SPL titles, before he joined up with Villa for £6.5million.
Over the following years, the Bulgarian became a crucial member of Martin O’Neill’s side as they battled to qualify for Europe, being appointed club captain in 2009 – and he was hugely popular among fans.
However, in March 2012 at the age of 32, Petrov was tragically diagnosed with acute leukaemia, which ultimately led to his retirement a year later.
Thankfully Petrov – who played 185 times in the Premier League for Villa and 219 times overall – made a full recovery and he is fondly remembered at Villa Park, where he was inducted into their Hall of Fame.
And now, his son, also called Stiliyan, is taking the family name into politics with Reform UK revealing that he is their candidate for the Lapworth & West Kenilworth ward on Warwickshire County Council for this year’s local elections.
Stiliyan Petrov Jnr is standing as Reform UK candidate for Warwickshire County Council
Petrov Jnr is the son of the former Aston Villa and Celtic midfielder who bears the same name
Petrov Snr pictured with Petrov Jnr during his time at Celtic in 2004 where he won 10 trophies
They take place on May 1, and if Stiliyan is successful, he will be elected as a councillor.
The ward is currently held by Conservative Councillor John Cooke who comfortably won the 2021 election, however he is standing down next month.
Lapworth village is just a short 34-minute drive from Villa Park.
In a social media post announcing his candidacy, Reform UK said: ‘Meet Stiliyan Petrov, our candidate for Lapworth & West Kenilworth.
‘He’s ready to fix his local area by cutting wasteful spending, lowering council tax and ensuring proper funding for key public services.’
The post was accompanied by a motivational video where Stiliyan, with a slight West Midlands twang to his voice, spoke about his aims.
‘I decided to stand for election because I think it’s time the working class people and the youth of this country have a voice,’ he said.
‘We all start somewhere. When I started my electrical apprenticeship I didn’t have any idea what I was doing. I couldn’t tell you even how to wire up a light. As time goes on you’re getting that experience.
‘It isn’t going to be an easy journey. It will be hard. But you have to think on your feet and do what is best in that situation.
‘I think that’s really what is going to benefit me. I’m not looking to be a career politician. I’m looking to help the people of this area and hopefully the country one day and just create real change in this country.’
Petrov Snr (fourth left) played 219 times for Villa and was appointed as club captain in 2009
Petrov Jnr spoke to voters in a video clip where he also showed off his footballing skills
Petrov Snr was diagnosed with acute leukaemia in March 2012 and retired just over a year later
Petrov – who showed off his football skills during the clip – went on to let loose at both Labour and the Conservatives and outlined why voters should count on him.
‘Look around, this Labour government and the previous Conservative government have constantly been lying to us,’ he added. ‘False promises and making us wait – well I have had enough. It’s time to step up to the challenge and make real change that matters.
‘I believe in common sense politics, I believe we should have lower taxes, safer streets, an infrastructure that benefits everyone rather than having potholes everywhere on the roads and everybody getting punctures.
‘We need to end this wasteful spending on a national and local level. Reform UK stands for practical people like me and wants change and will ensure change. I am Stiliyan Petrov, I am Reform UK.’
Stiliyan Snr, who also won 105 caps for Bulgaria, is now the founder and director of Player 4 Player, a sports management and coaching company, while he also runs The Stiliyan Petrov Foundation, which aims to support and help people affected by leukaemia and cancer.
