Manchester City finally confirmed Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola’s successor.
The former Chelsea boss left Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day following a steep breakdown in relations with the club’s hierarchy and returns for his third spell at the Etihad.
Maresca, 46, walked away from a five-year deal worth £4million-a-season and was NOT sacked by the Blues board. 
The five-week wait to announce the new boss was partly due to compensation talks with Chelsea.
City finalised a £17m compensation fee for the Italian last week, leaving the path clear for Maresca to join on a three-year deal.
He managed Chelsea for two years, helping to deliver the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup in his first season.
Maresca previously won Premier League 2 with the Man City second side and was Pep Guardiola‘s assistant during their brilliant Treble-winning 2022/23 season.
Maresca said: “Manchester City is a club I know very well and to have the chance to manage this team is a brilliant opportunity for me.
“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.
