Former Chelsea defender Dan Petrescu is undergoing treatment for cancer, a close friend and football official has confirmed in a heart-breaking statement.
Official Confirms Serious Diagnosis
Gino Iorgulescu, the president of the Romanian Football League, revealed the news to local media, stating Petrescu is currently receiving chemotherapy. "I don't know what to say. It is a delicate situation," Iorgulescu said. "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."
Iorgulescu, who has known Petrescu for decades both as a player and a coach, added the news had deeply affected him. "Such news makes me uncomfortable. It makes my skin crawl," he admitted, confirming he had not spoken to Petrescu directly since learning the severity of the situation.
Health Battle Follows Managerial Departure
The diagnosis comes just four months after the 58-year-old stepped down from his role as head coach of Romanian top-flight side CFR Cluj in August 2025. It was his fourth spell in charge of the club, where he previously secured four league titles and a Romanian Cup.
Reports from Romania indicate that Petrescu has lost a significant amount of weight, estimated at around five stone. Recent pictures and videos circulating in his home nation appear to show the former footballer looking frail while walking in a park, wearing dark sunglasses.
A Storied Career in England and Beyond
Dan Petrescu enjoyed a highly successful playing career, most notably in the Premier League with Chelsea. He joined the Blues from Sheffield Wednesday in November 1995 and spent four-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge. The attacking full-back made 208 appearances for the West London club, scoring 23 goals and providing 20 assists.
During his time at Chelsea, he was part of the squad that won the League Cup, two FA Cups, and the UEFA Super Cup. He left Chelsea for Bradford City in August 2000, later having a spell with Southampton before finishing his playing career in Romania with FC National, retiring in 2003.
He then moved into management, taking charge of clubs across Europe and Asia before his most recent tenure at CFR Cluj. His three daughters are reported to have returned from overseas to support their father during his treatment.
