Enzo Maresca has officially addressed his controversial departure from Chelsea after being unveiled as Manchester City’s new manager, admitting that the decision to leave Stamford Bridge was entirely his own and offering an apology to the Blues for the disruption his exit caused.
The Italian coach, who has signed a three-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, insisted there was no outside pressure behind his resignation from Chelsea midway through the 2025/26 season. Speaking after his appointment was confirmed, Maresca revealed that the opportunity to return to Manchester City was too significant to ignore because of his previous relationship with the club and its football philosophy.
“The decision to leave 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,” Maresca said.
The 46-year-old also acknowledged the impact his departure had on Chelsea’s campaign.
“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.”
His comments come just hours after Chelsea released a strongly-worded official statement explaining the circumstances surrounding his departure. The London club claimed Maresca’s resignation over the Christmas period significantly disrupted their season and admitted they felt “let down” after it became clear that the Italian was determined to pursue the Manchester City job. Chelsea also confirmed that a compensation agreement had been reached with Manchester City following lengthy negotiations.
Maresca is no stranger to Manchester City. Before taking charge of Leicester City and later Chelsea, he worked as Pep Guardiola’s assistant during City’s historic treble-winning campaign, making him one of the club’s preferred long-term successors. His familiarity with City’s playing style and coaching structure played a key role in his appointment after Guardiola’s departure.
Despite the controversial ending to his Chelsea spell, Maresca leaves with notable achievements. During his time at Stamford Bridge, he guided the Blues to UEFA Conference League glory and FIFA Club World Cup success, adding silverware to the club’s trophy cabinet before his dramatic resignation.
Manchester City supporters will now hope Maresca can build on Guardiola’s remarkable legacy as the club enters a new era. His first competitive fixtures will be closely watched, with expectations high following City’s decision to invest heavily in securing his services from Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Chelsea fans remain divided over the apology, with some appreciating his honesty while others believe the timing of his resignation irreparably damaged the club’s season. Regardless of opinion, Maresca’s emotional statement closes one chapter of his managerial career and begins another as he attempts to lead Manchester City into a successful new era.
