New Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has issued a public apology to Chelsea supporters after officially completing his move to the club.
Maresca, who left Chelsea midway through the 2025/26 season, said the decision to resign from his role at Stamford Bridge was entirely his own and was not influenced by anyone else.
The Italian coach has now been confirmed as the successor to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, ending months of speculation about who would take charge following Guardiola’s departure.
In a statement released after his appointment, Maresca admitted that his departure from Chelsea caused disruption and expressed regret over the timing of his exit.
“The decision to leave was only mine,” Maresca said. “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.”
He added: “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.”
Maresca’s move has been one of the biggest managerial stories of the year. The 46-year-old previously worked at Manchester City as Guardiola’s assistant during the club’s historic treble-winning campaign in the 2022/23 season. He also coached City’s Elite Development Squad, making his return to the Etihad Stadium a familiar one.
His departure from Chelsea, however, sparked controversy. The London club publicly expressed disappointment over the timing of his resignation, arguing that it affected the team’s campaign.
Reports indicate that Manchester City agreed to pay significant compensation to Chelsea as part of a settlement that allowed the move to be completed.
Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding his exit, Maresca leaves Chelsea with notable achievements. During his spell in charge, he guided the Blues to victory in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup, while also helping the club return to the UEFA Champions League.
Now back at Manchester City, Maresca faces the challenge of maintaining the club’s dominance in English football while beginning a new era following Guardiola’s highly successful reign.
