Enzo Maresca has issued an apology to Chelsea after being officially confirmed as Manchester City manager. Maresca has taken over from Pep Guardiola at the Etihad six months after leaving Stamford Bridge.
The nature of Maresca's exit from Chelsea was messy, and has required weeks of talks and a financial settlement of more than £17 million. Once the news was confirmed, all three parties put out messages to reflect on what has gone on over the past nine months.
Maresca's Statement
"At the end of December 2025, I made the difficult decision to leave Chelsea," said Maresca. "The decision was only mine. My resignation from Chelsea opened a path for me to join Manchester City, which is a club I knew very well. I am ecstatic that I have now joined Manchester City."
"I recognise that my departure from Chelsea in the middle of the season caused disruption for the club and I apologise for that. It was neither my intention nor my wish. I was treated well by everyone at Chelsea and together we achieved great success and memories that I will always treasure. I am grateful to the club, the owners and the fans for giving me the opportunity."
Chelsea's Statement
Chelsea also issued a statement after City confirmed Maresca's appointment, stating: "In Autumn last year, the club was informed by our former head coach that there might be an opportunity for him to succeed Pep Guardiola at the end of the season."
"It became clear to us that it was his strong desire to succeed Guardiola and that he was fully committed to pursuing the opportunity, despite the fact he was under a long-term contract which he had no right to terminate."
"In December 2025, our head coach unexpectedly and abruptly resigned from his position. Obviously, we felt let down as we believed that his head and heart were focused on another club and another opportunity, despite having just arrived at Chelsea the year before. No club wants to change its head coach midway through a season."
"However, in light of his decision not to continue fulfilling his responsibilities through to the end of the season, the club was left with no choice but to protect our players, our supporters, and the Badge and accept his resignation."
"In the circumstances and given the mutual respect between clubs, a confidential settlement has been reached with Manchester City, which includes the payment of compensation. A confidential settlement has also been reached with the former head coach under which he will pay compensation."
Manchester City's Statement
Following on from Chelsea's statement, City put out their own in a co-ordinated exchange. It read: "Enzo Maresca has long been regarded by the club as a candidate within our succession planning. As a former successful coach within our system, Enzo has a strong relationship with the Club’s leadership and he understands how we work and evolve."
"We can confirm that confidential conversations took place between select representatives of City and Enzo Maresca in autumn and winter of 2025, while he was Chelsea FC’s head coach, regarding the possibility of him returning to City in a transitional leadership coaching capacity should Pep Guardiola decide to leave."
"We acknowledge Chelsea’s statement regarding the context of Enzo’s departure from Chelsea. We also acknowledge the context in which permission for discussions was given, and we recognise that his departure mid-season was disruptive to Chelsea’s season. Once terms were agreed with Enzo Maresca, Manchester City and Chelsea FC reached a mutually agreed settlement under which Chelsea FC will receive compensation."
