Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has publicly addressed his departure from the Premier League club for the first time in a detailed personal statement. The Italian boss left his role at Stamford Bridge on New Year's Day, with Liam Rosenior swiftly appointed as his successor.
A Grateful Farewell to the Chelsea Faithful
In his message, Maresca expressed significant gratitude towards the Chelsea supporters, highlighting their crucial role during his 18-month tenure. He specifically credited the fans' backing for helping the team secure qualification for the prestigious Champions League, a major achievement for the club.
The former boss also reflected on the silverware won under his guidance, notably the UEFA Conference League trophy and the FIFA Club World Cup. He described these victories as moments he will "always hold in my heart," underscoring their personal significance.
Praise for the Players and a Notable Omission
Maresca reserved a special thank you for the Chelsea squad, referring to his time with them as a "wonderful journey." He wished everyone associated with the club success for the remainder of the season and beyond, extending thanks from both himself and his family.
However, the statement contained a telling omission. Maresca made no direct mention of or thanks to the Chelsea ownership group, led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. This absence has been noted by observers as a potentially significant detail following his exit.
Legacy and Looking Forward
Maresca framed his departure by noting he arrived during the preliminary rounds of the Conference League and leaves with the "inner peace" of having restored Chelsea to a position he feels befits its stature. His exit on 1 January 2026 marks the end of a short but trophy-laden chapter for the West London club.
The club has moved quickly to install Liam Rosenior as the new head coach, who will now be tasked with building on the foundations laid during Maresca's reign. Chelsea fans will now watch closely to see if the team can maintain its momentum in the second half of the season.
