GREAT BLUES Update

🤝DONE DEAL!! We Welcome Marco Palestra To Chelsea Football Club 🇮🇹💙

🗣️ "A lot of things convinced me to join Chelsea, one of the best clubs in the world. I’m very excited to get started. I’ve felt the energy since the first day Chelsea wanted me. I can’t wait to start, see all the fans, my team-mates and the manager. We have so many talented players here, a very strong squad and manager in Xabi. He has spoken to me about how he wants us to play, which is exciting, and we can’t wait to compete in the Premier League."

💥Chelsea Football Club has released an official statement explaining the circumstances behind Enzo Maresca's departure midway through the 2025/26 season.

According to the club, Maresca informed Chelsea during the autumn of 2025 that he could have the opportunity to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City at the end of the season. The Blues say it became clear that the Italian was determined to pursue that opportunity despite being under a long-term contract.

Chelsea revealed that Maresca unexpectedly resigned in December 2025, forcing the club into an unwanted mid-season managerial change. The club admitted they felt let down, believing his focus had shifted to Manchester City, and said they had no choice but to accept his resignation in order to protect the players, supporters, and the badge.

The club also confirmed that a confidential settlement had been reached with Manchester City, while a separate compensation agreement was reached with Maresca himself.

💰 According to Matt Law, Chelsea will receive £17 million in compensation from Manchester City for Maresca's appointment. The Blues have also agreed a separate undisclosed compensation payment that Maresca himself will pay to the club.

Meanwhile, Maresca has also spoken publicly for the first time since leaving Stamford Bridge.

«"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."»

The Italian acknowledged the disruption caused by his exit, apologising to Chelsea supporters while expressing gratitude to the club, owners, players and fans for the opportunity, adding that he will always cherish the memories created during his time in west London.

Chelsea have now turned the page under new head coach Xabi Alonso, with the club expressing full confidence that he has the quality and integrity to lead the Blues back to success.