Stiliyan Petrov is set to sign a new Aston Villa contract

Apr 1 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

“Is it going to be with me or without me? I’m just here to do my job.

“I can’t say that it’s my last big contract because you see players now playing until 34 or 35.

“If you look after yourself and stay fit you never know how long you can play at a high level.

“Every contract is important. It’s not just for me. It’s for my family as well. You need to make sure that when you sign you’re contract you’re wanted here.”

Petrov’s renaissance in the last year has alerted other clubs to the quality of a player who took time to adapt to playing in the Premier League.

But the former Celtic play-maker insists his loyalties lie with O’Neill’s team and he is keen to remain at Villa Park.

“After my poor start here I had to turn a lot of people around,’’ said Petrov.

“But I’ve always been honest with the clubs I’ve played for.

“I’ll speak with Villa and hope we can come to an agreement.”

Petrov insists he is enjoying his football again after completing his transformation from claret and blue scapegoat to fans’ favourite.

And he believes his team-mates must start playing with smiles on their faces to drag Villa out of a rut threatening their Champions League hopes.

“I do enjoy my football and it’s not just me, but everybody here,” added Petrov.

“In the last five or six games people have put so much pressure on the boys saying we need to win this and that.

“Maybe, because of that, we’ve forgot to enjoy our game, but I think we should get back to that and doing what we used to do.”