Chelsea have confirmed that former head coach Enzo Maresca will pay compensation to the club following his appointment as Manchester City’s new manager.
The 46-year-old Italian has signed a three-year contract with City, replacing Pep Guardiola, who stepped down in May after a decade of success at the Etihad Stadium.
Maresca’s move was delayed while Chelsea and Manchester City negotiated a compensation package. Although neither club disclosed the amount, one source told BBC Sport that City will pay Chelsea around £17 million. Chelsea also revealed they have reached a separate confidential compensation agreement directly with Maresca.
The Italian departed Stamford Bridge in January after Chelsea managed just one win in seven Premier League games. At the time, the club described the exit as a mutual decision, saying both parties believed a managerial change would give the team the best chance of turning their season around.
However, Maresca has since disclosed that he personally resigned from his role, saying the decision ultimately created the opportunity for him to return to Manchester City.
Chelsea said in a statement that Maresca had made the “decision not to continue fulfilling his responsibilities” and confirmed that an agreement had been reached over the compensation he owes the club.
Maresca, who previously served as Guardiola’s assistant during City’s historic Treble-winning campaign in the 2022-23 season, also apologised to Chelsea supporters for leaving midway through the campaign.
“The decision was only mine.
“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.”
