The son of former Premier League footballer Stiliyan Petrov, who played for Aston Villa and Celtic, is venturing into politics as a candidate for Nigel Farage's Reform UK Party. The party has confirmed that Petrov Jr will be contesting the seat for Lapworth and West Kenilworth in the upcoming elections. Reform UK announced their new candidate on X (formerly Twitter), expressing hopes that his involvement will help the party connect with a younger demographic.

"Meet Stiliyan Petrov, our candidate for Lapworth and West Kenilworth," the party posted. "He's ready to fix his local area by cutting wasteful spending, lowering council tax and ensuring proper funding for key public services." Petrov Sr is a well-known name, having won numerous titles at Celtic, including four Scottish Premiership titles, three Scottish Cups, and three Scottish League Cups. He also led the club to a UEFA Cup final in 2003.

Later, he joined Aston Villa, becoming the club captain, and earned 105 caps for Bulgaria, making him the country's most capped player. He also publicly battled acute leukemia which led to his retirement, though he is thankfully cancer-free in his post-playing days after enduring 13 months of chemotherapy..

A video accompanied Petrov Jr's announcement, in which he shared his motivation for entering politics. The video featured footage of him working as an electrician and showcasing his football skills.

"I've decided to stand for election because I think it's time the working class people and the youth of this country have a voice that will actually represent them," he declared. "We all start somewhere. When I started my electrical apprenticeship I didn't have any idea what I was doing.

"I couldn't tell you even how to wire up a light - but as time goes on you gain that experience and it's not going to be an easy journey, it will be hard. But you have to think on your feet, you have to do what's best in that situation - and I think that's what's really going to benefit me."

Petrov Jr, who has just revealed his political ambitions, made it clear that he doesn't see himself sticking around in politics indefinitely. He emphasised his commitment to local issues over national politics.

"I'm not looking to become a career politician," he added. "I'm looking to help the people of this area and hopefully the country one day and just create real change in this country.

"Look around, this Labour government and the previous Conservative government have constantly been lying to us. False promises and making us wait. We'll I've had enough.

"It's time for me to step up to the challenge and to make a real change that matters. I believe in common sense politics. I believe we should have lower taxes, safer streets and infrastructure that actually benefits everyone - as opposed to having potholes everywhere on the road and getting punctures.

"We need to end this wasteful spending on a national level and a local level. Reform UK stands for practical people like me and wants change, and will ensure change. I am Stiliyan Petrov. I am Reform UK."

Stiliyan Jr has posted photos on Facebook with Nigel Farage. His father left a significant legacy in British sport, and now he is looking to leave his own mark on the UK political landscape in a distinctly different arena.

After an illustrious career, Petrov Sr, aged 45, retired from professional football in 2013 following 219 appearances for Aston Villa.