Author Topic: Angry Petrov quits internationals (Read 171 times)

Mac 10 † · « **on:** October 12, 2006, 11:31:12 AM »

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Angry Petrov quits internationals

Bulgaria captain Stilian Petrov has quit international football after Wednesday's lacklustre 1-0 win over Luxembourg in a Euro 2008 qualifier.

"I do not want to play on the national team under the management of coach Hristo Stoichkov," the Aston Villa midfielder, 27, said on Thursday.

"I realise this comes unexpectedly for the Bulgarian football community, but it is not on the spur of the moment.

"Just the contrary - I have thought over my decision quite well."

Petrov, who joined Aston Villa from Celtic in August, has scored seven goals in 66 appearances for Bulgaria.

He initially said he was going to officially announce his decision to quit on Saturday, but decided to "cut short any speculation on the subject" and announce his reasons on Thursday.

Stoichkov said he hoped Petrov would change his mind.

"I hope Stilian will change his mind. Let a couple of days pass so that we have enough time to discuss it with level heads," Stoichkov said.

"Do not forget that I myself have quit and come back to help the national team."

Bulgaria team-mate, Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov said the news came "like a bolt from the blue".

He added: "His absence will be felt in the team. We still hope that he'll change his mind but the final decision is his own."

Bulgaria are second to Holland in Group G, having won two and drawn two games.

Stoichkov took charge of the Bulgaria team in July 2004.