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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Josh McCafferty

'He's his own man': Celtic hero distances himself from son's Reform UK decision

Former Celtic midfielder Stiliyan Petrov has distanced himself from his son's decision to stand for Reform UK

Petrov Jnr - who bears the same name as his famous dad - will work for Nigel Farage's political party and run as a candidate for Lapworth and West Kenilworth at the next election.

Reform UK confirmed the news last week, although Petrov Snr has since distanced himself from it: "First of all, I've never been into politics, and I never will be," he said. 


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"My son is passionate about the world, and I've encouraged that strongly; even though we haven't agreed on certain cases, he's his own man; he's an independent young individual who works hard and is happy to help the community. 

"He's a young man who will draw his own path in his life. With kids now, they've got their own choices. But like I said, I'm miles away from politics and don't have an interest in it whatsoever."

Petrov Snr made over 300 appearances during a trophy-laden Celtic spell. He is widely regarded as a cult hero at Parkhead and was part of the team that reached the 2003 UEFA Cup final in Seville. 

The son of the Bulgarian reasoned his decision to stand for Reform UK last week: "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," said Petrov Jnr. 

"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.

"I'm not looking to become a career politician. 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. Well 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."

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