Former Bulgaria international Stiliyan Petrov will take a break from his coaching duties with Aston Villa's U21 side after finding the workload to be '"too much too soon" following his recovery from acute leukemia.

"The entire Villa family has been incredibly supportive and I am so grateful for this, as is Paulina (wife) and my close family circle," Petrov has told Aston Villa's official website.

"I love my new role with the Club, I love the involvement and I want to continue to make a valid contribution. In order to do this to the best of my ability, however, I need to take some time away as I have found the day-to-day demands of the job to be just a little too much too soon," he said.

"I intend to spend some time with my family and in six months or so we'll assess how everything is then. Physically, I just need to build myself up some more before I can throw myself into things in the only way I know how which is full-on commitment."

"I appreciate very much the understanding shown by the Club. I have spoken to the manager and to the chief executive and they, in particular, have been great in helping me to reach a decision which I feel is the right one while also reassuring me that the Club will always be here for me, which I know in my heart."

The 33-year-old accepted the position in May, having retired from playing after a battle against acute leukemia.

Villa manager Paul Lambert said: "I fully understated his position and the club is entirely supportive of his decision."

Petrov made 218 appearances for Villa in all competitions and earned 107 caps for Bulgaria in a 17-year career.

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