Enzo Maresca sends public apology to Chelsea

Enzo Maresca has issued a public apology to Chelsea Football Club after his controversial mid-season departure was followed by his appointment as manager of Manchester City

In a statement shared after Manchester City confirmed his arrival, Maresca admitted that leaving Chelsea in the middle of the 2025/26 season caused significant disruption and expressed regret over how events unfolded.

What did Enzo Maresca say to Chelsea supporters?

He said,

"At the end of December 2025, I made the difficult decision to leave Chelsea. 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."

The Italian coach added that the decision to resign was entirely his own and thanked Chelsea's owners, staff, players and supporters for the opportunity to manage the club. He said he would always cherish the memories and success achieved during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea, however, responded with a strongly worded statement, claiming Maresca's focus had shifted toward Manchester City months before his exit. The club said his resignation was a major factor in their disappointing campaign and confirmed that both Manchester City and Maresca had agreed to pay compensation as part of a confidential settlement.

Manchester City have appointed Maresca on a three-year contract as the successor to Pep Guardiola, marking his return to the Etihad after previously serving as Guardiola's assistant.

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