"I just wish him all the best" - Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reacts to Enzo Maresca's dismissal from Chelsea

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has wished Enzo Maresca the best for his future after the Italian parted ways with Chelsea. The Spaniard praised the former coach for his work at Stamford Bridge in the last 18 months.

Speaking to the media ahead of Arsenal's game against AFC Bournemouth, Arteta said that Maresca did a terrific job at Stamford Bridge. He hinted at surprise following the decision from Chelsea and the Italian and said (via club website):

"I wish him all the best. I really like Enzo as a person, as a professional, I think he’s done a terrific job at Chelsea. That’s a decision that has been made and I just wish him all the best."

Manchester City counterpart Pep Guardiola also commented on the decision, saying that the Blues have let go of a top coach. He added that he is lucky to have worked with the Cityzens, adding that they would not make such a rash decision and said (via GOAL):

"We won't talk much if we don't know which manager will be there and I don't know what's going to happen, concern is thinking about yourself and our people are going to help us with two tough games against Chelsea and Brighton." "Chelsea have always been dangerous and the Premier League is dangerous every game. All I can say is that from my point of view they have lost an incredible manager and an incredible person. It's a decision from the hierarchy so I've nothing to say. How lucky I am in the club where I am. My club is extraordinary."

The FIFA Club World Cup winners announced their decision to part ways on New Year's Day following tension between the manager and the club hierarchy behind the scenes.

Arsenal's Mikel Arteta and ex-Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca linked with Manchester City

Enzo Maresca was linked with the Manchester City job in December, with The Athletic reporting that he held three meetings with the Premier League rivals. However, Guardiola is insisting that he is not leaving the club soon and said:

"I have a contract. I say a thousand million times, I know you're bored of me, I've been here for ten years and I promise you I will leave one day but I have a contract, I'm happy, I want to fight with my team, the hierarchy respect me - they proved last season when we didn't win one game in three months and they supported me."

Arsenal's Mikel Arteta was also linked with the job after working with Guardiola at the club as an assistant.

Edited by Sripad