You Can Call Me Stan: The Stiliyan Petrov Story

by Mark Guidi (Author), Stiliyan Petrov (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  2005

  $3.25

  Since signing for Celtic in the summer of 1999 for GBP2 million from CSKA Sofia, Stiliyan Petrov has established himself as one of the best footballers in Europe. The 26-year-old Bulgarian is now the Glasgow giant's longest-serving player and one of the fans' favourites. With a massive following, Petrov is also a superstar in his homeland, is captain of his country, leading them in Euro 2004, and is regarded as Bulgaria's finest player since Hristo Stoichkov. Now, for the first time, one of Celtic's most gifted players tells his life story so far in this revealing autobiography, co-written with acclaimed football writer Mark Guidi. In his own words, Petrov opens his heart on his spartan upbringing in Bulgaria, retreads his first steps in domestic football and details the dramatic events that brought him to Celtic at the beginning of the 1999-2000 season. The man his friends call Stan takes us inside the dressing-room of the Hoops and tells us what he really thinks of the three managers he has worked under at Parkhead: John Barnes, Gordon Strachan and the gaffer who saved his career, Martin O'Neill. Petrov reveals why he once almost walked out on Celtic and reflects upon the night he broke his leg in 2001 - an incident which he feared would prematurely end his career. Instead, inspired by Celtic legend Henrik Larsson, he fought back to establish himself as one of Europe's finest talents. He also recounts his experiences with the club on the road to Seville in 2003, gives an intriguing insight into that incredible run to the UEFA Cup final and describes his favourite moments playing for Celtic.

• Used

  Paperback
  2006

  $6.59

  Stiliyan Petrov left Celtic in August 2006 after seven years with the club to join Aston Villa in a GBP8 million transfer. During his time at Parkhead, Petrov established himself as one of the finest attacking midfielders in Europe, prompting Villa to splash out the huge fee. However, during troubled times in his early days in Glasgow, the Bulgarian skipper almost quit the game. Now, one of football's most talented players tells his life story so far in this revealing autobiography, co-written with acclaimed football journalist Mark Guidi. Petrov opens his heart on his spartan upbringing in his homeland, describes his horrific leg break in 2001 that threatened to end his career, illuminates the 2003 UEFA Cup final run to Seville and gives a dramatic account of life inside the Hoops dressing-room under John Barnes, Gordon Strachan and the manager who saved his career, Martin O'Neill. For the first time, Petrov also lifts the lid on the heartache and depression behind his protracted move out of Celtic to link up again with O'Neill and reveals his hopes and ambitions for the future with Aston Villa in the Premierhsip.