Chelsea have appointed Enzo Maresca as their new manager, with the Italian signing a five-year contract that includes an option for an additional year.

Maresca, who guided Leicester City to the Championship title last season, replaces Mauricio Pochettino, who left by mutual consent on May 21 after a single season at Stamford Bridge.

The 44-year-old Maresca expressed his excitement about the opportunity, stating, "To join Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, is a dream for any coach.

It is why I am so excited by this opportunity. I look forward to working with a very talented group of players and staff to develop a team that continues the club's tradition of success and makes our fans proud."

Maresca, who will officially start his role on July 1, is Chelsea's sixth managerial appointment in five years and the fourth since American investor Todd Boehly and private equity firm Clearlake Capital acquired the club in May 2022.

Despite a mixed 2023-24 season, Chelsea finished strongly, winning their last five games to secure a sixth-place finish and qualification for the Europa Conference League.

They also finished runners-up in the Carabao Cup and reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Chelsea's co-sporting directors, Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, were impressed with Maresca during the discussions leading to his appointment, noting that his ambitions and work ethic align with those of the club.

Maresca's previous managerial experience includes a brief stint at Parma in 2021, where he lasted just 180 days, and a role as Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City, contributing to their Treble-winning campaign in 2022-23.

He then successfully led Leicester City back to the Premier League as champions in his single season in charge.

Leicester City expressed disappointment at Maresca's departure but acknowledged the promising foundations he had laid during his tenure.

The club stated, "However, with Enzo's decision made and the board's terms for his departure met, we wish him well in his future endeavours."

Chelsea players not on international duty this summer are scheduled to return for pre-season training under Maresca on July 4 as they prepare for a tour of the United States.