Enzo Maresca Breaks Silence with Public Apology to Chelsea After Manchester City Move

New Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has publicly apologised to Chelsea following his mid-season departure from the club during the 2025/26 campaign.

Speaking after his appointment was confirmed by Manchester City, the Italian manager admitted that leaving Chelsea before the end of the season affected the club and accepted full responsibility for the decision.

In his statement, Maresca 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 former Chelsea boss also thanked the club’s owners, players, staff, and supporters for the opportunity to lead the team, adding that he will always value the memories and achievements they shared.

Chelsea, however, responded by saying Maresca’s attention had shifted towards Manchester City long before he stepped down. The club also confirmed that his resignation contributed to a difficult season and revealed that both Maresca and Manchester City agreed to pay compensation as part of a confidential settlement.

Maresca has now signed a three-year deal with Manchester City, replacing Pep Guardiola and returning to the Etihad Stadium, where he previously worked as Guardiola’s assistant.

His apology has sparked fresh discussions across the football world, as fans continue to react to one of the most talked-about managerial moves in recent Premier League history.