Leicester City appeared to aim a subtle dig at Enzo Maresca after the Italian quit the promoted Premier League club to become Chelsea's new head coach.
Maresca, who will start work on July 1 after leaving newly-promoted Leicester, replaces Mauricio Pochettino who left by mutual consent two weeks ago. He is the third permanent managerial appointment since Todd Boehly’s Clearlake Capital consortium bought the club in May 2022.
Maresca has signed a five-year deal with an option for a further year, after the Blues agreed a huge compensation fee believed to be in the region of £8million. The Foxes confirmed his exit on Monday afternoon and questioned his decision to "no longer want to be part of our vision."
The statement read: "Leicester City Football Club 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.
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"However, with Enzo’s decision made and the Board’s terms for his departure met, we wish him well in his future endeavours. 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."
Enzo Maresca has signed a five-year deal at Chelsea (Getty Images)Chelsea, meanwhile, were understandably delighted to have a new manager in place ahead of the new season. Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, said: "We are delighted to welcome Enzo to Chelsea. He has proven himself to be an excellent coach capable of delivering impressive results with an exciting and identifiable style.
"Enzo has deeply impressed us in our discussions leading up to his appointment. His ambitions and work ethic align with those of the club. We thoroughly look forward to working with him.’
Chelsea’s ownership group said: "We are thrilled to welcome Enzo into the Chelsea family. We look forward to supporting him and the rest of the sporting team in fulfilling their potential and our expectations over the years to come.
"He is a highly gifted coach and leader that we are confident can help fulfill our vision and competitive goals for the Club.’
Maresca added: "To join Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, is a dream for any coach. It is why I am so excited by this opportunity.
"I look forward to working with a very talented group of players and staff to develop a team that continues the club’s tradition of success and makes our fans proud."
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