Enzo Maresca has finally broken his silence.
Hours after Chelsea confirmed Liam Rosenior as his successor, the former Blues boss took to Instagram on New Year’s Day to deliver an emotional farewell message to supporters, closing the curtain on an 18 month spell that brought silverware, controversy and a dramatic ending at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca shared a carousel of personal images featuring his family and the trophies won during his time at Chelsea, but it was one picture in particular that stood out. The third image shows the Italian applauding as his players lift the FIFA Club World Cup trophy in the United States. Taken seemingly by a fan, the photo captures Maresca standing apart from his squad and away from former US president Donald Trump during the celebrations, a quiet, almost symbolic moment that underlined his separation from the group he led to glory.
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The post was accompanied by a heartfelt letter that opened with a quote often attributed to scouting movement founder Robert Baden Powell:
“Leave this world a little better than you found it.”
Maresca wrote:
“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.
“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.
“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.
“Thank you, CHELSEA 💙 from me and my family.”
The response from supporters was swift and emotional. The comments section was flooded with messages of gratitude, reflecting a fanbase that, despite recent tensions, recognised the tangible success delivered under Maresca.
Several Chelsea players had already paid tribute to the Italian in the days following his exit. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez led the way, followed by Enzo Fernandez, Reece James and others. Notably, however, there has so far been silence from Cole Palmer, whose substitution in Maresca’s final home game triggered boos from the crowd and became a flashpoint in his final weeks.
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Maresca’s farewell came on the same day Chelsea formally unveiled Liam Rosenior, prising the English coach from BlueCo owned RC Strasbourg to usher in a new era. While Rosenior now carries the task of steadying Chelsea’s league form, Maresca departs having left a clear imprint, trophies in hand, and a goodbye that felt as reflective as it was final.
One photo, one quote, and one closing message. For Maresca, that was how the Chelsea chapter ended.
