When Stiliyan Petrov got the call to take part in Celtic FC Foundation’s Legends Charity Match on Sunday, May 26, there was no hesitation is signing up for the game.

The prospect of pulling on the green and white Hoops and play at Paradise in front of the Celtic supporters is obviously appealing.

However, for the Bulgarian, the chance to do something to help others is something he always embraces.

That has long been part of who he is, shaped by his character and his own personal circumstances over the years.

And as a long-time supporter of Celtic FC Foundation, he knows how important the charity’s work is with people who need it most, and why a packed Celtic Park for the game against Borussia Dortmund will help with that work.

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Speaking to the official Celtic website, Stiliyan said: “I always say one thing – when you’ve been part of the Celtic Family, either as a player or as a fan, you can never let it go and you always stay a Celtic fan, and this is just the way it is.

'I’m delighted to be invited back. Having the opportunity to put the Celtic jersey on again in front of the Celtic Family is always an honour and a pleasure.'

“This time we’ll be playing against a very good Borussia Dortmund team and I can’t wait to see the guys again, put on the jersey and play in front of the fans.

“I think the Foundation has done incredible work over the years. They have shown commitment and a good heart to help others, and they’ve kept growing, which shows the magnitude of the club.

“So it’s important to support causes like this. I’ve always had time to help and support Celtic FC Foundation, and I am delighted to be back again for this special game and supporting a great cause.”

Stiliyan Petrov’s achievements as a Celtic player are impressive, with nine major trophies won over his seven years with the club, during which time he made 309 appearances and scored 65 goals before moving to Aston Villa.

There were many highs and lows along the way, although perhaps the most emotional occasion came back on September 8, 2013 in a charity match for him after he was diagnosed and was undergoing treatment for leukaemia.

It was a day when the Celtic Family together, and the standing ovation for Stiliyan in the 19^th minute – in tribute to his jersey number – saw very few dry eyes inside the stadium.

'It was really emotional that day – to see Celtic Park full, and this was the first time that I had actually met the public after the long treatment.'

“I looked completely different – I had gained a lot of weight and I didn’t feel that I was ready to face everybody, but I’m glad that I did. It was an incredible moment and it gave me more strength because at that time, people might forget, I was still in treatment so I was still getting chemotherapy.

“So for me to have the opportunity in a very special place with such incredible fans was not just emotional but it was memorable because I can have it as a great memory, but I think the world also has it as a great memory, and it showed the magnitude of the club and the fanbase and what Celtic stands for.”

Now Stiliyan is back in training for the big day on Sunday, May 26 when a Celtic Legends side take on a Borussia Dortmund team at Celtic Park (KO: 2pm).

And he’s looking forward to meeting up with some friends and former team-mates.

“Paul Lambert was the manager when we played in Anfield against Liverpool last year and he was really good,” Stiliyan said.

“It’s good to see Paul on the sidelines, giving instructions and picking the team and working with the players before and after the game – and it’s always a great pleasure to see my old team-mates again.

'I had an incredible time with Paul as a captain and as a team-mate, so for him to manage the team is a great honour.'

"I believe he’s already texting players to make sure they’re fit and ready for the game, and he’ll definitely be ready for it.

“Most of the players these days keep fit and will be well-prepared, although we probably forget just how big the pitch is, and we still have to run and to chase people, and to do that you have to be ready.

“Some of the players will play more than 60 or 70 minutes, so you want to be prepared as much as possible. So we’re all going back to the old habits of eating well – for a couple of weeks anyway – and to make sure we’re in the best possible shape.

“I’m sure the stadium will be full because the Celtic Family always turns up when it’s needed, and Celtic have done for the fans is create the good will, the support for others and to make sure we stand for those most in need.”

TICKET PRICES

The Legends Charity Match promises to be a fantastic occasion for all the family and tickets are on general sale now, priced at:

Adults - £15
Concessions - £7

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MATCHDAY HOSPITALITY

A range of Matchday Hospitality packages are available for the Legends Charity Match at Celtic Park, starting at just £30 per person.

You can register your interest in these packages here or check celticfc.com regularly for the latest updates.

SUPPORTING CELTIC FC FOUNDATION

Funds raised through the match will focus on feeding people in need of support, to reflect the heritage of the club and respond to the current cost of living crisis, which is overwhelming so many families and individuals.

This will include continuation and development of Celtic FC Foundation’s Paradise Pit Stop project at Celtic Park. In addition, we will look to secure new locations for food provision with local partners in Inverclyde and Lanarkshire, plus London and Ireland to complement our current delivery of key projects in those areas.

With Scott Brown set to captain the side, we’re delighted to confirm that a donation will also be made to Dundee Cancer Centre at Ninewells Hospital, in memory of his sister Fiona, who sadly passed away in 2008 aged just 21.

Stiliyan signs up for Celtic FC Foundation Legends Charity Match