Enzo Maresca insists he's left Chelsea in a better place than when he found it in his first public message to players and fans after his departure.
The Italian suddenly left Stamford Bridge on New Year's Day after 18 months in charge.
Chelsea’s Italian head coach Enzo Maresca reacts on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St James’ Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on December 20, 2025. The game finished 2-2.
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Maresca has spoken publicly on his Chelsea exit with a message to the club's fansCredit: AFP
It followed reports that his relationship with the club's hierarchy had become strained with Maresca making cryptic comments in December about him experiencing his 'worst 48 hours' as Chelsea boss.
Maresca, who had been under contract until 2029, also waived his compensation, talkSPORT understands.
Less than a week on from his departure, the 45-year-old has now spoken publicly for the first time on social media.
In a post shared to Instagram, Maresca uploaded a series of pictures from Chelsea's Club World Cup and Conference League triumphs last season.
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Alongside the images, he added a message to the club's supporters and his players.
However, there was no reference to the owners or any members of the club's hierarchy.
Maresca's message to fans
In the caption, 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.
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca
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Maresca departed Chelsea on New Year's Day after 18 months in charge at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
Enzo Maresca with Chelsea coaching staff after winning Club World Cup
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Maresca won two pieces of silverware at Chelsea, including the Club World Cup, where they thumped European champions Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the finalCredit: Getty
"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."
Maresca also added a quote, which read: "Leave this world a little better than you found it."
Having been appointed in the summer of 2024, Maresca won both the Conference League and Club World Cup in his debut season.
Chelsea also finished the campaign fourth in the Premier League, thus securing a return to the Champions League.
Across his spell as manager, the former Leicester boss won 55 of his 92 matches in all competitions.
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Chelsea FC and SL Benfica at Stamford Bridge on September 30, 2025 in London, England.
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There was no mention of Blues chairman Todd Boehly in Maresca's social media messageCredit: Getty
Following Maresca's departure, Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Liam Rosenior as their new head coach.
The 41-year-old has joined the club from French side Strasbourg, who are also owned by Chelsea ownership consortium BlueCo.
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Rosenior has signed a six-and-a-half-year deal with the club through to the summer of 2032.
His first match in charge will come against Charlton in the FA Cup on Saturday, live on talkSPORT, with Under-21s boss Calum McFarlane to oversee Wednesday's clash with Fulham, live and exclusively on talkSPORT 2.