FORMER Celtic footballer Stiliyan Petrov has said he is lucky to be alive as he continues his fight against leukaemia.

The Bulgarian is currently in remission from the disease after a spell of intense chemotherapy treatment.

Petrov, who now plays for Aston Villa in the English Premier League, was diagnosed in March last year and has spoken about his illness on his club's website.

He said: "At the start I thought it was just a cold, nothing serious. When I was told the diagnosis, I was a little shocked but accepted it and just wanted to start the treatment straight away.

"I have finished all of the high intensity treatment and from now on I'll be on the softer treatment, which is two years on tablets.

"It was a very, very long year but now, after all this treatment, I can go back to a normal life."

The 33-year-old made 228 appearances for Celtic between 1999 and 2006, scoring 55 goals from midfield. He was named the club's player of the year following the 2004/05 season.

Last September, Celtic donated £5000 when two friends of Petrov decided to cycle between Parkhead and Aston Villa's ground in Birmingham.

Manager Neil Lennon waved the Midlands club masseurs Alex Butler and Andy Smith off as they left Celtic Park on the Pedal for Petrov ride to raise cash for the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research charity.

Lennon also joined cricketing legend Sir Ian Botham on one of his charity walks which raise money and awareness of illnesses such as leukaemia.

The manager took part because of Petrov's condition and said at the time: "When it first came about it was a huge shock to everyone, particularly those who are close to him. But he's such a larger-than-life character and he's battling through it with great honour and dignity. It just shows you what Stiliyan means to so many people, not just at Villa Park but at Celtic where he was a great player too."

He also captained his national side and played more than 100 games for his country.

Petrov, who joined Villa after seven years in Glasgow, was back at Villa's Bodymoor Heath training ground near Birmingham this week.

The footballer said he intends to set up a charity foundation to raise money for research into leukaemia, but intends to spend time at home while he continues his treatment.

He said: "First of all I'm going to spend some time with the family, show them that things are back to normal and feel a bit more comfortable. The kids especially have really missed me a lot and they're happy I'm home.

"I'm hoping to open my foundation soon and I'm going to start raising money and awareness for leukaemia and different charities."

Petrov, who was Villa's captain on the field when he learned of his condition, said he has taken heart from the club's fans, who have started applauding at the 19th minute of every game in honour of his squad number.

"The 19th minute has been just incredible," he said. "It's them showing their appreciation and their support.

"I don't know how I can thank the fans because it's been incredible."