Petrov's fighting fit for Bolton Wanderers (From Leigh Journal)

Petrov's fighting fit for Bolton Wanderers

10:00am Friday 2nd July 2010 in Bolton Wanderers

NEW signing Martin Petrov has reassured Wanderers fans he is fit and ready for action.

The former Manchester City winger has suffered two injury-plagued seasons with knee problems and has not played at all since February 2.

But the 31-year-old, who joined on a free transfer after turning down a new deal at Eastlands, says he is now fully recovered – and desperate to reward the faith Owen Coyle has put in him by bringing him to the Reebok. “My knee is fine now,” said the Bulgarian international. “If my knee was not good, I don’t think Bolton would have signed me.

“I’ve spoken with the doctor and physio from Bolton, and have made a special programme for my knee to build up my muscle.

“I want to thank the manager and chairman for giving me a chance at a difficult time for me because I haven’t played for the last six months. Everyone knows I have had knee problems and I know it’s a hard decision to take a player who has not played in the last six months.

“I’ve played for good clubs and for the national team but I know if you don’t play then it is a tough decision for the manager and I want to say thank you.

“I will play with my heart for Bolton and try and play good football, make assists and score goals, and help Bolton to finish in a high position in the Premier League.”

But Petrov could not resist a parting shot at his former employees. The midfielder felt he was frozen out by Roberto Mancini, the City manager, and even questioned the team spirit of Wanderers’ billionaire neighbours.

“I want to thank the physio at Manchester City but just the physio,” said the former Atletico Madrid and Wolfburg star.

“The communication was so bad. Nobody spoke with me. If the communication with me was better than I would’ve been happier there.

“My ex club now spend so much on big stars. I know it is very difficult to play in this team, but I showed everyone I can play at a good level if I’m not injured.

“The first year was very positive for me but, after that, the injury, communication, the money came in – everything is now different there.

“They spend so much money but it’s not just about money or big stars. If you don’t have a team together, who work together on the pitch, then it doesn’t matter who you buy and for how much money.”

Petrov, meanwhile, has revealed how Coyle’s promise of playing an attacking brand of football helped Wanderers beat a host of other clubs home and abroad to his signature.

He said: “Bolton is a good team in England, it’s not one of the big names but I came here because I spoke with the manager and he told me he wants to play football, to play with wingers and to score more goals – that’s very important for me.

“Also because my family is happy here and we don’t need to change where we live. And if my family is happy then I can come here and concentrate on my training and playing games.”