Petrov quits international stage

Last Updated : 13-Oct-2006 by Norris McWinter

The Bulgaria captain made the announcement after the side's lacklustre 1-0 win in Luxembourg on Wednesday. "This is my final decision and I will make an official statement on Saturday," said the 68-time international. "I do not want to play on the national team under Hristo Stoichkov. I realise this comes unexpectedly for the Bulgarian football community, but it is not on the spur of the moment. On the contrary - I have thought over my decision."


Stoichkov does not apparently share the animosity and is adamant the player's decision is not final, saying: "Stilian is captain of the team and will remain so as long as I am in charge. When I was a player I also retired from international football and then came back. I will speak with him." Having made his international debut in 1998, the former CSKA Sofia and Celtic man took over as captain in April 2003 following Krassimir Balakov's retirement, taking a leading role as his country reached the finals of Euro 2004.