Chelsea icon, 57, does NOT have cancer after health concerns sparked by mystery illness that saw him lose FIVE stone with Chinese medicine used

There is a lot of upheaval at Chelsea already in 2026, but there is some good news surrounding the Blues in the new year.

There have been health concerns surrounding legendary defender Dan Petrescu, with reports claiming that he has been diagnosed with cancer.

However, on Saturday it was reported that wasn’t the case and the 57-year-old is well.

Taking to X, BBC Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsella wrote: ‘Just a note to say all is okay with former Chelsea legend Dan Petrescu and he doesn’t have cancer (following reports).’

There have been some health concerns over Petrescu since December when it was claimed that he had lost five stone due to a mystery illness.

Belgian publication Cancan stated that the former defender was unrecognisable after shedding 30kg, with his daughters flying to Romania to be by his side.

Since his playing days, Petrescu had forged a career in management and his last job was with CFR Cluj in his homeland – but quit in August.

Cluj’s former club president hinted that Petrescu has been using rogue remedies to try and cure the unknown illness.

Speaking at the time, Cristian Balaj said: ‘Dan is taking steps towards recovery, and his condition is evolving towards the better.

‘His daughters have come to the country, and were by his side.

‘He is in Cluj, having treatment, and it is for the best. I have gone for walks with him and taken him for treatment.

‘At one point he was being treated with Chinese medicine. It is important that he has taken these steps.’

Alarm bells over Petrescu’s health increased when Romania’s football league president Gino Iorgulescu told local media that Petrescu was undergoing chemotherapy.

‘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,’ Iorgulescu said.

‘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.’

However’s Kinsella’s update will come as a welcome relief to all.

Born in Romania’s capital of Bucharest in 1967, Petrescu is said to have grown up practising his football skills with plastic oranges. From that, a glittering career was born.

Petrescu played a total of 208 games for Chelsea and won two FA Cups, the League Cup, the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.

In England, he also played for Sheffield Wednesday, Bradford City, and Southampton, all in the Premier League, while also turning out for clubs in Italy and Romania.

He won league titles back in his home city and even reached a European Cup final with Steaua Bucharest in 1989.