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Spanish website Mundo Deportivo have confirmed that Martin Petrov has indeed passed his medical at Espanyol and is about to become an Espanyol player. The article also says that Petrov could be handed his debut as soon as friday. They also have a photo (different from the one below) of Petrov's medical. Read the piece (in Spanish) here.
Gary Linton, a podcast host on Inside Spanish Football and a well-regarded source of news on Spanish football, has posted a photo on Twitter of Martin Petrov working through his medical at the Centres Medics Creu Blanca in Barcelona:
Ex Atleti, Man City & Bolton winger, Martin Petrov is under-going his medical at Espanyol today - twitter.com/AlbaEspana/sta…
— Gary Linton (@AlbaEspana) January 14, 2013
The winger is getting on in age and is making a very healthy payday, both things that Dougie Freedman finally confirmed in an interview with BBC Radio Manchester:
"We've got to face the facts. Martin is in the latter years of his career and earns a lot of money at this club.
"I feel the best thing for the club is to bring in some new, young blood.
"That's where we are and I hope everybody understands that decision."
Petrov had started only six games in the Championship this season for Bolton Wanderers. It was more a shame than anything else because on his day, Martin Petrov should have been able to boss the league with his pace and crossing ability. Unfortunately, he had nowhere near enough of those days and found himself out of favor with both Owen Coyle and Dougie Freedman.