Petrov signs new Villa deal

Stiliyan Petrov insisted he never lost faith in his ability during his bleak times at Aston Villa as he signed a new four-year contract with the midlands club.

Petrov today put pen to paper on a deal which will keep him at Villa Park until the end of the 2012-2013 campaign.

The Bulgaria international capped an outstanding season by being voted Villa's player of the year. It is in sharp contrast to Petrov's fortunes after he made the #6million move from Celtic in the summer of 2006 in becoming Martin O'Neill's first major signing.

He struggled to make an impact and even endured a spell out of the side last season. But Petrov refused to let his head drop and has revelled in a new holding role to help Villa qualify for the rebranded Europa League.

Petrov said: ‘It takes some players longer than others to settle in but I never gave up. I knew what I could do and what I could produce and finally I started showing it. I knew it was going to be hard and there were things I had to improve in my game. That's why I came to the English Premier League, to improve, and I feel now like I'm doing that.

‘It wasn't going well for me, but that's the way it goes. I never tried to blame anybody else, I just kept working. I understood the reaction of the fans. I was a big signing, I cost a lot of money, and they expected a lot from me. If I didn't produce, which I didn't, of course they would be on my back.

‘But I didn't ever think I wouldn't make it - not at all. In football things can change very quickly as long as you believe in what you can do.’

Petrov added: ‘It took me a long time but, after all the hard work, it's been worth it. It's been great to hear the supporters singing my name this season, that they appreciate what you can do, and I am glad the future is sorted out.’

O'Neill said: ‘Stiliyan has vindicated the faith I had in him. I don't bring people to a football club just for the sake of it. He has been outstanding for us this season. I am delighted he has shown the sort of form he is capable of. He has been outstanding week in and week out. He has done brilliantly.

‘It is only just a year ago that people were concerning themselves about whether Stiliyan had a future here. But he has battled back so much and I am happy for him to be around here for the next few years.

‘If every person shows the same determination and willingness and drive that Stiliyan has shown the last year, there will be a future for anyone at the club.’