Chelsea icon Dan Petrescu diagnosed with cancer as friend releases heart-breaking statement - The Mirror

The ex-Chelsea defender stepped down as manager at CFR Cluj this summer and he's now understood to be receiving treatment for cancer with a statement released.

Former Chelsea defender Dan Petrescu is receiving treatment for cancer - a statement from his friend has confirmed. The president of the Romanian Football League Gino Iorgulescu confirmed that he is undergoing chemotherapy.

The news comes four months after Petrescu stepped down from his role as head coach at Romanian side, CFR Cluj. The former full-back was in his fourth spell as manager of the club.

Reports in Romania claim that Petrescu had lost five stone in weight. Pictures and videos in his home nation appear to show him walking in a park this week, wearing dark sunglasses and looking frail.

Speaking to the local media, Iorgulescu said: "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. I don't know what he is doing. He played for me, and he also worked for me as a coach at FC National. I was also friends with him. Such news makes me uncomfortable. It makes my skin crawl. I had, and still have, a good relationship with him. Since I found out his situation was very serious, I haven't spoken to him."

The 58-year-old, who celebrated his latest birthday recently, spent four-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge after joining the club from Sheffield Wednesday in November 1995. Over his time at the west London club, he scored 23 goals and provided a further 20 assists in 208 appearances.

He was part of the team who that a League Cup, two FA Cups and a UEFA Super Cup. He completed a transfer to Bradford City in August 2000.

Petrescu also had a spell with Southampton, before then returning to his native Romania with FC National. He announced his retirement in 2003, in turn moving into management.

He took charge of several clubs around the world, but was in his fourth spell in charge at CFR Cluj after stepping away from the role in August. He previously led the club to four league titles and a Romanian Cup victory.

It's reported that the former defender's three daughters have all returned back from overseas to support their father as he goes through his treatment.

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