The football world has been saddened by the news of the death of the two-time Ballon d’or winner and England international earlier this week.
Maresca was appointed as the new City manager in June on a three-year contract, succeeding Pep Guardiola in the hotseat.
The Italian faced the media for the first time since taking on the role and his first statement was to pay tribute to Keegan who managed the Blues between 2001 and 2005.
“Before we start, I would like to send a message and a big hug to Kevin Keegan’s family for this moment,” Maresca said.
Asked what it was like to return to the Etihad Stadium for a third spell after previously working in the Academy and as Guardiola’s assistant during the Treble season, he said: “I feel back home and very good. The feeling since day one has been brilliant so I’m happy.”
Maresca succeeds Guardiola after an incredible 10 years at the Club when City won a remarkable 20 trophies.
While taking over from the hugely successful Catalan could be seen as a big challenge, the new boss sees at as a honour to have been asked to take the position.
“First of all it’s a privilege because the reason why the club decide to go for me, that for me is a privilege,” Maresca said.
“I said many times, I consider Pep the best coach in the world in the last 20 to 25 years. It’s a challenge, it’s nice and it’s a privilege.
“The history of a manager with many years in the same Club, after always they struggle a little bit. After Sir Alex Feguson, after [Arsene] Wenger. It’s a challenge to do the right things, for the club, the fans, for everyone.”
Watch our 2026 tour games on CITY+!
Subscribe to CITY+ now to see all three of City’s games during our 2026 pre-season tour of Asia.
We start in Hong Kong against Italian champions Inter on Saturday 1 August, with kick-off at 12:30 (UK).
After that, we go to Seoul to play a K League All-Stars side on Wednesday 5 August and then Atletico Madrid on Sunday 9 August. Both games begin at 12:00 (UK).
All three will be available to watch on mancity.com and our official app for current CITY+ subscribers globally*.
Available for £34.99 for an annual subscription or £9.99 per month, CITY+ gets you closer to the Club than ever before, with documentaries, live games and full-match replays throughout the season.
*City v Inter: Globally available except China, Italy
K League All-Stars v City: Globally available except South Korea
City v Atletico Madrid: Globally available except South Korea, Spain
