SOFIA (REUTERS) - Former prime minister Boiko Borisov became the oldest footballer to appear for a Bulgarian professional club on Sunday, when the 54-year-old played in his team Vitosha Bistritsa's goal-less draw against Rakovski in a domestic second-division match.

Vitosha, playing in a professional league for the first time, are eighth in the standings on four points from three games.

At 54 years, two months and 12 days, Borisov, who resigned from government in February during nationwide protests in the European Union's poorest country, had secured a place in the Bulgarian record books, according to local statisticians.

Borisov, wearing No.13, was cheered by the Lokomotiv stadium crowd in the Sofia district of Nadezhda every time he touched the ball during his 54 minutes of action.

In 2011, he triumphed in the Bulgarian fans' player of the year poll after collecting 44 per cent of the votes, with then-Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov coming second with 24 per cent.

However, Borisov urged organisers to annul the poll, describing it as a protest vote.

"This vote is not a signal that Borisov is the best player but that the Bulgarian football needs reforms and a new policy," he said.