'They were in the garden and at my window' - Enzo Maresca tells hilarious story of Leicester players gatecrashing his home celebration at 2am after winning Championship title

Current Chelsea boss Maresca helped Leicester City return to the Premier League by guiding them to a Championship title win in the 2023-24 campaign. The Foxes sealed the title on the penultimate matchday after Leeds United suffered a 4-0 loss to QPR. Recalling the night of their title win, the Italian coach narrated a hilarious story where he suddenly found out that his players had gatecrashed his home in the early hours of the morning in search of a party.

Speaking to reporters, the Blues boss said, "I was at home watching the (QPR versus Leeds) game, then when it finished, all the staff arrived. We were having a normal celebration, with family, kids, the staff, Willy (Caballero), Danny (Walker), Robby (Vitiello). Then later – very late – the players arrived. The first face I saw was Hamza (Choudhury) but they didn't even knock at the door – they were in the garden and then at my window.

"When I drew the curtains, it was his face there. It was probably the best present I got last season. It showed how the team was close, and the connection with the players, that they could go for parties at different places yet they all arrived at my home. I will always be thankful to them. When I was a player I was lucky to win things but I never thought to go to the manager's house."

Despite winning the trophy, Maresca left the Foxes on a bitter note for Stamford Bridge, as during his time of departure, the club had taken a dig at the 44-year-old in their official statement confirming the move. When asked about facing Leicester fans this weekend, the Chelsea coach added, "I have no idea. But I know how I am going to be with them. I will be thankful to the club, the players and the fans. Because it was a fantastic season. I cannot control how they are going to receive me. But I can control how I receive them."

The West London side, who are currently third on the points table, will face the Foxes in an away fixture on Saturday afternoon.