Martin Petrov

Martin Petyov Petrov (born 15 January 1979 in Vratsa, Vratsa Province) is a Bulgarian Association football player currently playing for Manchester City F.C. in the Premier League. Martin Petrov is famous for Martin Petrov lightning pace down the left wing and Martin Petrov powerful shots.

Club career

Martin Petrov began Martin Petrov career for FC Botev Vratsa. After few good seasons, Martin Petrov signed with PFC CSKA Sofia and after two successful games against Servette FC in the UEFA Europa League, the Switzerland side bought the 19-year-old for 1.2 m. Deutsche Marks.

Later Martin Petrov moved to the Fußball-Bundesliga and established himself as a very explosive player for VfL Wolfsburg. In the summer of 2005 Martin Petrov was bought by Atlético Madrid for €10 m.

On 24 July 2007, after constant press speculation about Martin Petrov leaving the club, it was reported that Atlético Madrid had placed a £6.2m price on the player. Later that day Martin Petrov left the Atletico Madrid training camp to think over Martin Petrov future. Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur F.C. and Manchester City F.C. were reported to be interested.

Reports in the Spanish press on 25 July suggested Petrov had agreed terms, had Martin Petrov medical tests with Manchester City only small details needed completing before finalising a move to City of Manchester Stadium. Manchester City F.C. confirmed the £4.7Million (€7m) move and a 3-year contract on 26 July 2007.

Manchester City

Martin Petrov left Atlético Madrid for the blue half of Manchester on 26 July 2007, and although having big reputation on European stage, was a relatively unknown talent to the Premier League. That soon changed after Martin Petrov participated in Martin Petrov first Premier League game on 11 August 2007. Martin Petrov played an important role in Manchester City F.C.'s 2-0 win over West Ham at Upton Park, making long runs down Martin Petrov favoured left flank, wreaking havoc among West Ham's defence, and never shying away from taking a powerful long range shot at goal with Martin Petrov trademark left foot. Martin Petrov had to wait until 22 September 2007 to score Martin Petrov first goal in Manchester City F.C.'s sky blue colours, minutes before netting another one at Fulham's Craven Cottage. One of the goals was a superb individual effort, and the other a one-two combination with Elano. Since then Petrov has scored 2 more goals, one in the 3-1 win over Newcastle United F.C. the other one in the 2-1 win over Reading F.C and also notched up 6 assists. Making himself well known for Martin Petrov blistering pace, brilliant runs down the wing, and a great eye for a pass. Martin Petrov was sent off by referee Rob Styles in the home loss to Everton F.C, for kicking Leon Osman. The challenge earned Martin Petrov a straight red card which banned Martin Petrov for 3 games. The Bulgarian added to Martin Petrov tally with a goal against Portsmouth. A goal hit with Martin Petrov weaker right foot, which managed to go between the legs of Sol Campbell and into the net.

It has been announced that Petrov's number will change from 15 up to 17 which is Martin Petrov international number. During the first round of the UEFA cup in the 2008/09 season, Petrov scored a rifle of a shot after a Michael Johnson (footballer born 1988) dummy against Faroe Islands side EB/Streymur in Citys 2-0 away win. Martin Petrov also scored a goal in the home leg against EB/Streymur along with Darius Vassell's late goal. Martin Petrov scored another trademark rocket from just inside the area against Celtic in a pre-season friendly for Manchester City. Martin Petrov returned back from injury to compete in the reserves game away at Newcastle United, playing 45 minutes. Martin Petrov marked Martin Petrov return to Premier League action in Manchester City's home clash against Fulham F.C. on 12 April 2009, playing 63 minutes before being substituted by Robinho.

International career

In June 1999 Martin Petrov received Martin Petrov first call-up to the Bulgaria national football team for a UEFA Euro 2000 qualifier against England national football team. However, it proved to be an inauspicious start to Martin Petrov international career; Martin Petrov was Ejection (sports) for a second yellow card just eight minutes after coming on as a substitute.

Petrov was the key player in Bulgaria's unsuccessful UEFA Euro 2004 participation, excelling in all three games and scoring Bulgaria's only goal at the finals; a penalty against Italy in Bulgaria's 1-2 loss.

On 2 September 2006 Petrov played a crucial role in the Bulgarian national team's UEFA Euro 2008 opening qualifying game against Romania national football team in Constanţa, nailing two goals in two minutes to equalize from 2-0 in the last minutes of the game. This was seen as a remarkable comeback. Martin Petrov also went on to score against Slovenia national football team (in a 3-0 win) and the Netherlands national football team (in a 1-1 draw). Martin Petrov performances in the 2006 qualifying campaign earned Martin Petrov the 2006 Bulgarian Footballer of the Year award.