Former Chelsea and Romania defender Dan Petrescu is currently receiving chemotherapy treatment for cancer, according to a statement from a friend. The president of the Romanian Football League, Gino Iorgulescu, confirmed the news, which comes four months after Petrescu resigned as head coach of CFR Cluj.
Iorgulescu told local press: 'I don't know what to say. It is a delicate situation. May God help Dan to get better, for there to be a cure. I don't know the exact diagnosis, but I understand that it is very serious. He is undergoing chemotherapy.'
Reports from Romania indicate that the 58-year-old has lost five stone in weight. Images and videos circulating on social media appear to show him walking in a park this week, wearing dark sunglasses and looking frail.
Petrescu spent four-and-a-half years at Chelsea after joining from Sheffield Wednesday in November 1995. He made 208 appearances for the club, scoring 23 goals and providing 20 assists, and was part of the squad that won the League Cup, two FA Cups and the UEFA Super Cup.
After retiring in 2003, he moved into management, taking charge of several clubs worldwide. He stepped down from his fourth stint at CFR Cluj in August, having previously led the club to four league titles and a Romanian Cup.
It is understood that Petrescu's three daughters have returned from abroad to support their father during his treatment.
