Manchester City have appointed Enzo Maresca as their 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 keep him at the Premier League club until the summer of 2029.

Speaking after his appointment, Maresca said he was delighted to return for a third spell at City and described the opportunity as a dream.

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

“I know the demands, and I know the expectations. I cannot wait to start coaching the players. I want us to win, play good football and enjoy the pressure of representing Manchester City.”

Maresca previously worked as one of Guardiola’s assistants during City’s historic 2022-23 campaign, when the club won the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and FA Cup treble. He also guided City’s Elite Development Squad to the Premier League 2 title in the 2020-21 season.

His appointment follows months of speculation after Guardiola announced his departure in May, ending a trophy-laden 10-year reign. The Spaniard won 17 major honours at City, including six Premier League titles, before stepping down, saying he no longer had the energy to continue.

Before returning to Manchester, Maresca managed Leicester City to promotion from the Championship before taking charge of Chelsea. His first season at Stamford Bridge saw the Blues finish fourth in the Premier League and win both the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup.

Chelsea confirmed earlier this year that Maresca left the club after informing them there was a possibility he could succeed Guardiola at the end of the season. Reports suggested negotiations over compensation delayed his move, with Chelsea reportedly seeking around £17 million.

Known for his possession-based philosophy and close adherence to Guardiola’s coaching principles, Maresca now faces the challenge of returning City to the top of English football after the club went two consecutive seasons without winning the Premier League title.

Manchester City are also expected to strengthen the squad during the summer transfer window, with reports linking the club to Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson and Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi.