Chelsea have issued an furious statement after Enzo Maresca’s transfer to Manchester City was officially announced. The Blues received £17 million from Man City after the two clubs reached a settlement. Chelsea felt as if the Italian had breached his contract at Stamford Bridge when negotiating with City to replace Josep Guardiola last December.
Maresca officially left Chelsea on New Year’s Day following a chaotic breakup at the end of December. An enthusiastic statement from Chelsea read: “Chelsea FC appreciates that the 2025/26 season has been a very disappointing season for the club and its supporters. A key contributing factor was the disruption that occurred as a result of the club being forced to change the position of head coach over the Christmas period. “Due to recent developments, we believe it is important to explain to our supporters what happened and why the former head coach left the club on 1 January 2026.”
“Last autumn, the club was informed by its former head coach that there might be an opportunity to replace Pep Guardiola at the end of the season. Despite having a long-term contract with no right to terminate, it became clear to us that it was his strong desire to succeed Guardiola and that he was fully committed to pursuing that opportunity.”
“In December 2025, our head coach suddenly and unexpectedly resigned from his position. He was clearly disappointed, as we believed his head and heart were focused on another club and another opportunity, even though he had only arrived at Chelsea the year before.”
“No club wants to replace a head coach mid-season. However, given his decision not to continue in his responsibilities until the end of the season, the club had no choice but to protect its players, supporters and badge and accept his resignation.”
“Taking into account the circumstances and the mutual respect between the clubs, we have reached a confidential settlement with Manchester City that includes the payment of compensation. We have also reached a confidential settlement with our former head coach, on the basis of which compensation will be paid.”
“We are looking forward to next season. In Xabi Alonso we have a professional manager with an exceptional football mind and the highest integrity. He has all the qualities to bring the success that the club’s supporters rightly expect and expect.”
Maresca later released his own statement on social media, writing: “As of December 2025, I have taken the difficult decision to leave Chelsea. That decision was mine alone. Leaving Chelsea has paved the way for me to join Manchester City, a club I know well. I am absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester City.”
“I recognize that leaving Chelsea midway through the season may have caused disruption to the club and I apologize for that. That was not my intention or wish.
“I was treated well by everyone at Chelsea and together we achieved great success and left with memories I will always cherish. I am grateful to the club, owners and fans for the opportunity.”
