Article by Maria Olteanu – Published Friday, 07 November 2025 22:37 / Updated Friday, 07 November 2025 22:42
The impresario Giovanni Becali (73 years old) made a series of worrying revelations about the state of health of Dan Petrescu (57 years old), the former technician of those from CFR Cluj fighting during this period with the disease.
Dan Petrescu left CFR Cluj at the end of August, after the categorical failure in Europe, score 2-7 with the Swedes from Hacken. He has been threatening to leave for some time, saying that he wants to have time for himself so that he can solve his health problems, which have given him a lot of trouble in recent months.
In the end, Petrescu no longer wanted to continue on the bench, feeling that his health problems were getting worse, and less than three months after his last public appearance, shocking information appeared about the renowned coach, who he lost no less than 30 kilograms during this entire period.
“I need a longer break. I've also had some health issues, I need to sort them out, I haven't quite sorted them out yet. I haven't been feeling well at all these days. I made a decision that is good for me and for the club. I want to take a break, a year, two, three, four, five. If I'm healthy, I'll come back”, said Dan Petrescu at the conference where he announced his resignation.
Serious problems for Dan Petrescu
After the departure of Andrea Mandorlini from the CFR Cluj bench, there was even talk of a surprise return of Dan Petrescu to the helm of the team, but in the end he could not take over the team, Daniel Pancu being chosen by Nelu Varga.
Giovanni Becali spoke about this situation and how complicated the health problems of the “Badger”, who is currently undergoing treatment, are.
“I heard he lost 30 pounds. I don't call him (no – don't call him on the phone), I leave him, I want to talk when it's good. I'm waiting for it to get better. I have a very good relationship with him, he is my comrade, he was my player. I know he's in a more difficult situation, but maybe the treatment will go better and I'll see that he's healthy.
If he was healthy, he accepted CFR Cluj again. But it all depended on him not being ready yet and more importantly, he has money. Situation has as much as you want, but health comes first. Health, his girls.
I want to hear some news that it's better too, but I'm not hearing this news. May God give it well. I am convinced that it will be fine, but to lose 30 kilograms means that it is something more special”, said Giovanni Becali, quoted by fanatik.ro.
For him, the most important thing right now is to solve his health problem. It might last six months, but it might last three years. He said he won't resume work until his tests come back perfect and he's fully healed.
– Cristi Balaj, after the departure of Dan Petrescu, in August
Dan Petrescu is not coming back now. I've seen the statements, but I'm telling you it's not coming back. He has other priorities. He said he wanted to take a break
– Cristi Balaj, before Pancu was appointed coach at CFR Cluj
