Enzo Maresca left Leicester City to join Chelsea (Picture: Getty)
Leicester City say they are ‘disappointed’ Enzo Maresca has decided to leave the King Power Stadium to join Chelsea.
The Italian, who guided Leicester back into the Premier League, emerged as Chelsea’s top target after Mauricio Pochettino agreed to leave at the end of the season.
Leicester won the Championship title under Maresca and had hoped to consolidate their place in the English top-flight under the 44-year-old, who previously worked as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City.
But Maresca’s move to Chelsea was confirmed on Monday, with the former Serie A midfielder signing a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge with the option of a further year.
Following the announcement, Leicester said in a statement: ‘We can today confirm the departure of Enzo Maresca from his position as First Team Manager.
‘Given the promising foundations established during his single season in charge, the club is disappointed that Enzo has decided at this stage that he no longer wants to be part of our vision.
‘However, with Enzo’s decision made and the Board’s terms for his departure met, we wish him well in his future endeavours.
Maresca replaces Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge (Picture: Getty)
‘He leaves with the appreciation of everyone at the club for his work in helping us to achieve an immediate return to the Premier League during the 2023/24 season.
‘Staff members Willy Caballero, Danny Walker, Michele De Bernardin, Marcos Alvarez, Javier Molina Caballero and Roberto Vitiello will also be leaving the club.
‘The board will now commence the process of appointing a new manager that will lead our return to the Premier League and continue the implementation of our long-term vision for the success of Leicester City Football Club.’
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Maresca, who begins the role on July 1, takes over a Chelsea side that endured a mixed season under former boss Pochettino.
The Blues occupied a mid-table position for much of the campaign but won their last five games to climb to sixth and qualify for Europe.
Despite Chelsea’s promising run of form, it was decided over end-of-season talks that Pochettino would leave after just one year at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca’s Leicester amassed 97 points last season to secure an immediate return to the Premier League. The Foxes have been linked with Carlos Corberan and Steve Cooper since it became clear Maresca was heading to west London.
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