Aston Villa: Stewart Downing reveals how Stiliyan Petrov has been a big help on his road to recovery
Nov 21 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail
STEWART Downing has revealed how Stiliyan Petrov has helped him through his recovery – from just moments after he inflicted the injury.
The former Middlesbrough winger is finally closing in on his comeback from the fractured foot he suffered in an accidental clash with Petrov.
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It happened during the penultimate match of last season between Boro and Villa, which was Downing’s last game for the Riverside club. But the England wideman insists caring captain Petrov even contacted him to check on his progress before he became a Villa player. “To be fair to him he apologised to me straightaway,” said Downing.
“He was in constant contact with me, ringing me or texting me to see if I needed anything and to make sure everything was going to be alright.
“I told him: ‘Funnily enough I’m coming to Villa. I might be there in a few weeks, so I’ll speak to you then!’
“I don’t hold any grudge or anything like that against him. It happens in football. You just get on with it.
“He said he’d see me down here and we’d have a chat and since then he’s been spot on. He’s a great lad and a great player.”
Meanwhile, Villa are holding Christmas Soccer Schools between Monday, December 21 and Wednesday, December 23 in the Indoor Academy building at Villa Park.
The sessions, which cost £12 per day and run from 10am to 3pm, will be open to seven to 12 year olds.
There will be a range of activities including the AVFC speed cage where children can test the power of their shots.
To book a place call 0800 612 0970.
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