FORMER Celtic star Stiliyan Petrov has pledged to help parents stay close to their children through the trauma of cancer.

Petrov, 34, said the support he had received from his family, including wife Paulina and sons Kristiyan and Stiliyan had sustained him through his treatment for leukaemia.

Petrov retired in May. He has set up a foundation to help those affected by leukaemia and said his priority would be to help other families stay together.

The ex-Bulgaria captain has already helped arrange accommodation for the family of a three-year-old undergoing cancer treatment at Yorkhill Hospital in Glasgow. He said: "I realise how important it is for close family to be around you. I was lucky to have my family, especially my wife."

He will play in a Celtic Legends charity match on September 8 at Parkhead