The former manager left Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day (01.01.26) after a run of inconsistent league form and a breakdown in relations with the board, with Chelsea moving quickly to appoint Liam Rosenior on a long-term contract running until 2032.
Speaking in a farewell message shared on social media, Maresca said: “Leave this world a little better than you found it.
“My journey with Chelsea began with the preliminary rounds of the Conference League. I leave with the inner peace of leaving a prestigious club like Chelsea where it deserves to be.”
Maresca - who was appointed in 2024 - oversaw a successful first full season despite pressure building during a difficult winter period.
He added: “I want to thank all the Chelsea fans for their support over the last 18 months. Support that was crucial to achieving Champions League qualification, winning the Conference League, and winning the Club World Cup.
“Victories that I will always hold in my heart.”
Maresca guided Chelsea to a fourth-place Premier League finish last season, securing Champions League football, before lifting the UEFA Conference League in May and the FIFA Club World Cup later in the year.
Those successes prompted significant investment in the summer transfer window, with a number of high-profile additions arriving to bolster the squad.
Maresca also paid tribute to his squad following his exit.
He said: “A special thank you to all the players who have accompanied me on this wonderful journey. I wish everyone who has shared every moment with me every success in this second half of the season and in the future.”
Chelsea placed Under-21s head coach Calum McFarlane in interim charge following Maresca’s departure, and he oversaw a 1-1 draw away to Manchester City.
Attention has now turned to Rosenior, 41, who arrives from Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, also owned by BlueCo.
Speaking to Chelsea’s official website, he said: “I am extremely humbled and honoured to be appointed head coach of Chelsea Football Club.
“This is a club with a unique spirit and a proud history of winning trophies. My job is to protect that identity and create a team that reflects these values in every game we play as we continue winning trophies.”
Rosenior confirmed he had turned down interest from other clubs to take the role.
He said: “To be entrusted with this role means the world to me and I want to thank all involved for the opportunity and faith in undertaking this job.”
The former Hull City boss will be joined by assistants Kalifa Cissé and Justin Walker, along with head of analysis Ben Warner, as he prepares for his first match in charge.
