Manchester City have named Enzo Maresca as their new manager on a three-year contract, with the Italian returning to the Etihad to replace Pep Guardiola following the Spaniard’s departure at the end of last season.

Manchester City have appointed Enzo Maresca as the club’s new manager, confirming the Italian’s return to the Etihad Stadium following Pep Guardiola’s departure.

The 46-year-old has signed a three-year contract that will run until the summer of 2029.

Maresca succeeds Guardiola, under whom he served as assistant coach between 2022 and 2023. He also previously led City’s Elite Development Squad to the Premier League 2 title in 2021.

According to reports, City will pay Chelsea more than €20 million in compensation to secure Maresca’s release. Maresca left Chelsea on New Year’s Day by mutual consent according to the club statement, despite having three years remaining on his contract.

“Manchester City is a club I know very well and to have the chance to manage this team is a brilliant opportunity for me,” Maresca said.

“City is an incredibly well-run football club. Everything they do is innovative, planned and purposeful. For a manager, that is a dream situation. It provides the consistency I need to do my job effectively.”

“This will be my third spell here. I know this club; I know the demands and I know the expectations.

“The quality of the people who work here is what makes it so special, and I want to thank them for showing faith in my ability.”

Guardiola stepped down at the end of last season after a decade in charge, during which he guided City to more than 20 major trophies. Maresca now takes over with the task of building on one of the club’s most successful eras.