Chelsea Hit Back at Maresca After £17m City Payoff

By Akpo ESCO

Chelsea have landed a £17m compensation package from Manchester City after Enzo Maresca walked out mid-season. 

Maresca said he was sorry for the “disruption” his exit caused. But Chelsea weren’t having it. 

In an explosive statement, the Blues accused the Italian of having his “head and heart” at City months before he left. They claim he told them last Autumn he wanted Guardiola’s job, and pushed for it despite being under contract. 

“Unexpectedly, abruptly resigned,” Chelsea said, adding they felt “let down” by a manager who had only just arrived. 

The club insisted they “had no choice” but to let him go and protect the team, before turning the page to Xabi Alonso.  

Alonso, they said, is “a professional of the highest integrity” and the right man to bring Chelsea the success fans expect.