Maresca has been appointed as new manager of Manchester City, signing a three-year deal until June 2029 in a move that has been reported for a number of months.
The former Leicester and Chelsea manager returns to the club where he had previously worked under Guardiola as assistant in their treble winning season in a move that supporters welcome ahead of the new season.
Speaking to the club website, Maresca revealed how happy he is to return to the Etihad Stadium where he has big shoes to fill.
“Manchester City is a club I know very well and to have the chance to manage this team is a brilliant opportunity for me,” Maresca said.
“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.
“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 led Chelsea to a fourth place finish and the Conference League title before winning the FIFA Club World Cup a few weeks later. To replace Guardiola is an almost impossible job, but Maresca has support behind him heading into the new campaign.
Chelsea also confirmed that "a confidential settlement has been reached" between the two clubs which "includes the payment of compensation."