Penev says reports on his illness have been exaggerated | OneFootball

Former Valencia, Atlético Madrid and Celta Vigo striker Lubo Penev says he is recovering following more than two months in hospital in Germany with kidney cancer. Now back in Bulgaria, he addressed talk around financial help, speaking to SER Deportivos Valencia.

"I am fine, following the doctors’ recovery plan, taking care of myself and I feel great," he said. "I am in the hands of good specialists and hope to return soon to play football with friends."

In recent months there has been close attention in Valencia and appeals for donations. "There has been no financial help in Spain. Also, no one is obliged to help," he said. "CSKA Sofia, relatives and Bulgarian citizens have contributed because my illness requires expensive treatment."

"From Valencia, I have only spoken with Giner. I saw the news and called him to thank him for the support." He added, "It has been exaggerated a lot. It seemed I was already in the trunk, but nobody has asked me how I am."

Fernando Giner, president of the Valencia Former Players’ Association, outlined how funds raised are being managed for transparency. "The method is with an invoice, and that is it," he said. He added that the money remains in an account and will be paid when invoices are presented, noting one bill was settled by CSKA.

Source: Superdeporte