Key Takeaways:
- Chelsea received £17 million from Manchester City after agreeing a confidential compensation settlement
- Enzo Maresca officially departed Chelsea on 1 January 2026, following talks with City in December 2025
- Blues appointed Xabi Alonso as new manager, praising his football acumen and integrity for the upcoming season
Chelsea Express Displeasure Over Maresca’s Exit
Chelsea have released a forceful statement in response to Enzo Maresca’s move to Manchester City, which was formally confirmed following a confidential agreement between the clubs. The West London side have received £17million in compensation after lengthy negotiations surrounding Maresca’s sudden departure.
According to Chelsea, tensions arose when Maresca, who was under a long-term contract, held talks with Manchester City last December regarding the potential to succeed Pep Guardiola. Chelsea allege this constituted a breach of his contract, noting that Maresca left the club on New Year’s Day following significant disruption at the end of the calendar year.
🚨🚨| BREAKING: Chelsea publicly 𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐀 for their 'hugely disappointing' 2024-25 season, claiming he told the club mid-season he wanted the Manchester City job. 😤🔵
{@Independent} pic.twitter.com/1fuVqep7ZC
— Goals Side (@goalsside) June 29, 2026
Official Club Statements Detail Timeline and Reasons
In their statement, Chelsea outlined the events leading up to Maresca’s exit. The club indicated that, in autumn of the previous year, Maresca informed them of a possible opportunity at Manchester City, expressing a strong desire to replace Guardiola, despite his commitments at Stamford Bridge. By December 2025, Maresca unexpectedly resigned. Chelsea admitted to feeling let down, asserting that his focus had shifted to City despite joining the club only the previous year.
The club stated that, in the face of Maresca’s decision not to fulfil his contractual obligations through to the season’s conclusion, their only option was to accept the resignation in order to protect the interests of the team, supporters, and the club itself. Chelsea confirmed that settlements had been reached with both Manchester City and Maresca, which included mutually agreed compensation payments.
Focus Shifts to Xabi Alonso
Looking ahead, Chelsea highlighted the appointment of Xabi Alonso as their new manager, commending his exceptional footballing intellect and professionalism. The club voiced confidence in Alonso’s ability to deliver the success anticipated by their supporters.
Maresca Responds to Chelsea Departure
Enzo Maresca responded on social media, stating: “At the time 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 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.”
