Enzo Maresca will pay Chelsea compensation after his acrimonious mid-season departure, the club has confirmed, as Manchester City finally named him as Pep Guardiola’s successor on a three-year deal.
The Italian, 46, left Chelsea in January following a run of one win in seven Premier League matches. Chelsea’s statement at the time suggested the decision was mutual, but Maresca has now admitted he handed in his resignation, acknowledging it “opened a path” for him to join City.
“Enzo Maresca will pay Chelsea compensation after apologising for his January resignation, as Manchester City confirm him as Pep Guardiola's successor.”
In a scathing statement, Chelsea described his resignation as a “decision not to continue fulfilling his responsibilities” and said they had reached a confidential agreement with Maresca over compensation. One source told BBC Sport that Manchester City are paying Chelsea about £17m in a separate fee.
The saga has proved costly for Chelsea. Maresca’s departure contributed to a chaotic campaign in which they finished 10th, sacked another manager and lost millions in television revenue. It also triggered a prolonged legal dispute that has only recently been resolved.
Maresca, who spent a season as Guardiola’s assistant during City’s 2022-23 Treble-winning season, has apologised to Chelsea for the manner of his exit. “The decision was only mine,” he wrote on Instagram. “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 appointment at City was held up by talks over compensation between the two clubs. The Italian succeeds Guardiola, who stepped down in May after a trophy-laden 10 years in charge. City will hope Maresca can replicate the success he enjoyed as assistant, but for Chelsea, his first season is still remembered as their most successful under owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital – they qualified for the Champions League for the only time in four years.