Chelsea legend Dan Petrescu does not have cancer - despite previous reports in Romania that he had the disease. The president of the Romanian Football League, Gino Iorgulescu, previously said that Petrescu was undergoing chemotherapy.

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

Previous reports in Romania claimed that Petrescu had lost five stone in weight. Pictures and videos in his home nation appeared to show him walking in a park wearing dark sunglasses and looking frail - supporting rumours that he was seriously ill.

Belgian publication Cancan claimed that the former defender was unrecognisable - with his daughters flying to Romania to be by his side. But it was reported by the BBC on Saturday that he does not have cancer and the 58-year-old is well.

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

Alarm bells over Petrescu's health increased when Iorgulescu told local media that Petrescu was undergoing chemotherapy. Speaking to the local media, he 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."

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."

Petrescu, 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.