- Dennis Wise has announced his departure from the Italian club Como after five years.
- During his tenure as CEO, Wise oversaw an impressive rise through the leagues.
- However, on the brink of their Serie A return, Wise has decided to leave the club.
Dennis Wise has disclosed his decision to resign as CEO of the Italian club Como after more than five years of service.
Como made their return to Serie A last season after a long absence, earning an automatic promotion on the final match day.
This marked a remarkable turnaround for the club from northern Italy, which had to restart from the fourth tier of Italian football following bankruptcy in 2016.
Wise joined the club in 2019 as a technical consultant under the new ownership and became CEO in 2021 as the club began its rise.
As the team prepares for their Serie A debut in less than a month, Wise announced his exit and hinted at a jab at Cesc Fabregas in his farewell statement.
Dennis Wise has announced he is leaving Italian side Como after more than five years at the club
Wise was appointed as an executive in 2019 while Como were in the early stages of a remarkable rise up the leagues
The club clinched a return to top-flight football with a second-placed finish in Serie B last season
‘It is with great sorrow that I part ways with Como 1907,’ Wise expressed on Instagram.
‘I extend my best wishes to the club moving forward. My journey with Como 1907 has been extraordinary, and I am truly grateful for the opportunities and experiences I’ve had here.’
‘The backing from the team, the coaching staff, and our dedicated supporters has been immense, and I will always cherish our shared memories.’
‘Together, we have made tremendous progress, achieving promotion back to Serie A, which brings me great pride. I’m thankful for the collective effort that made this accomplishment possible.’
‘I am also sincerely thankful to the supporters who stood by us through every challenge. Their passion and steadfast support fueled my drive to help the club achieve the success it deserves.’
‘The club has chosen to follow Cesc Fabregas’ path. I wish the team, Cesc, and the new recruitment staff all the best as they aim for Serie A stability and European competition—I wish you ongoing success.’
‘Though this marks a goodbye, it is not an end. I will always carry the spirit of Como and its amazing community with me, wherever I go.’
Wise described his ‘heavy heart’ at leaving the club in a post on his Instagram account
Cesc Fabregas ended his playing career at Como in addition to serving as part-owner, and has recently been appointed the club’s new manager
Como was the final chapter in Fabregas’ remarkable playing career, where he featured in 17 matches during the 2022-23 season before his retirement.
After retiring, the former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder began his coaching journey, initially taking charge of the youth and reserve teams while obtaining his coaching qualifications.
In November of the previous year, Moreno Longo was dismissed from the head coach position due to poor results, leading Fabregas to take over temporarily.
Following this, Osian Roberts, an ex-assistant at Crystal Palace, was appointed as head coach, with Fabregas assisting him throughout the season as Como clinched their return to top-flight football.
Fabregas has since completed the necessary coaching qualifications and has been named head coach for the upcoming season.
Additionally, the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia side features former French international Thierry Henry as a part-owner.
Former Arsenal star Thierry Henry also serves as a minority stakeholder on the club’s board
Como has taken immediate steps to strengthen their roster for Serie A, with reports indicating that former Manchester United defender Raphael Varane is on the verge of joining the club as a free agent.
Additionally, ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has signed a one-year contract after moving from Villarreal.
