Former Celtic hero Stiliyan Petrov has graduated from a UEFA course designed to give ex-players the professional skills needed for a career in the administration of football.
The Bulgarian graduated alongside the likes of Youri Djorkaeff, Maxwell and Luis Garcia in the two-year programme that also saw him complete a three month work placement.
“It was difficult because we’re not used to it,” said Petrov, as reported by UEFA.
“When we were younger we used to go to school as part of our education and development, but when we finish football, we are at a crossroads with what to do next, how we can stay in football. Some of us decided to take this path.
“It’s hard, it’s been a long two years but today is graduation day and we’re very satisfied. We worked very hard as a group, very hard as individuals and we are looking forward and are eager to move forward and stay in football in different capacities.”
A job at the top of UEFA could suit Petrov one day
The course is proving popular with former footballers. The latest edition of the programme has attracted the likes of Brazilian legend Kaka and former Chelsea man Didier Drogba. These players are all keen to get a footing in the world of governance following successful careers on the pitch.
It will be very interesting to see what Petrov decided to do with his qualification. The former midfielder could look to go into some sort of board role at a major club while a job on his native Bulgaria’s FA could also loom.
Whatever he does, it’s just great to see him fit, healthy and out achieving again. It’s not so long ago that we were worried he didn’t have long left. But his fighting qualities saw him beat leukaemia and get better as a result.
Now, at the age of just 40, and with a degree behind him, he has much more to give in the game. Who knows, maybe a job at Celtic could loom in the future.
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