A host of current and former footballers have expressed their desire for Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov to make a full recovery from acute leukaemia.

The 32-year-old will begin his battle with the disease today after the Midlands Premier League outfit confirmed that the playmaker was diagnosed with the illness following a fever suffered at the weekend.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon claimed that he was "devastated" at hearing the news regarding his former player.

Many professionals within the game have lent their support to the Bulgaria international via social network site Twitter.

Rio Ferdinand
"Wishing Petrov the best with his fight against cancer. Stay strong bro."

Carlos Cuellar
"I feel very sad with the news of our captain Petrov, our support for him and his family, he is very strong and will win this battle. We are all with you my friend."

Matt Jarvis
"Sad to hear about Stiliyan Petrov, hope he makes a full recovery soon!"

Robbie Savage
"Thoughts are with Stan Petrov and his family a lovely guy, really hope he gets through this x"

Lucas Leiva
"Awful news about Petrov. Wishing him all the best with his recovery."

Gardy Gardner
"Please god make Stan be ok. Our skipper and such a nice man, praying for you mate thoughts are with you and your family."

Jermaine Jenas
"Just saw the news about Stan Petrov, one of the nicest guys in football! Thoughts with him and his lovely family."

Shay Given
"In shock about Stiliyan Petrov acute leukaemia but we are all here for him and his family. Please God he makes a full recovery."

Phil Neville
"So sad to hear about Stiliyan Petrov - my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family."

Jack Wilshere
"Sad news about Petrov...hope he gets through this! Thoughts with his family and team mates!"