Dennis Wise has revealed he is stepping down as CEO of Italian side Como after spending more than five years at the club.
After more than two decades outside the top flight Como won promotion back to Serie A last season, securing an automatic place on the final day of the campaign.
The achievement marked the fulfilment of a fairytale journey of resurgence for the team from northern Italy, after bankruptcy in 2016 forced them to begin life anew in the fourth tier of Italian football.
With the club in the early stages of their ascendancy, Wise was appointed technical consultant in 2019 by the club’s new owners before rising to the role of chief executive in 2021.
However, with their Serie A opener less than one month way, Wise has announced he has departed the club whilst seemingly aiming a shot at Cesc Fabregas in his parting 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 a heavy heart that I leave Como 1907.’ Wise wrote on Instagram.
‘I wish the club success going forward. It has been an incredible journey with Como 1907, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have had here.
‘The support from the team, the coaching staff, and our loyal fans has been overwhelming, and I will always cherish the memories we’ve made together.
‘During my time with the club, we have made significant progress and achieved promotion back into Serie A, which gives me immense pride. I want to acknowledge the collective effort that made that possible.
‘I am also incredibly grateful to the fans who have supported us through thick and thin. Their passion and unwavering support have been a driving force for me to achieve the success they deserve.
‘The Club has decided to follow Cesc Fabregas’ direction. I wish good luck to the team, to Cesc, and to all the new recruitment team in the next steps; Serie A status and European football—I wish you continued success.
‘While this is a farewell, it is not the end. I will always carry the spirit of Como and its wonderful people 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 served as the final stop on Fabregas’ illustrious playing career, with the World Cup-winning midfielder playing 17 times in the 2022-23 season before hanging up his boots.
Shortly after the former Arsenal and Chelsea star was appointed manager of the club’s youth and reserve teams as he worked on obtaining his coaching licenses.
In November of last year, Moreno Longo was sacked as first-team manager following a string of bad results and Fabregas took over the role on a temporary basis.
Former Crystal Palace assistant Osian Roberts was then given the job full-time, with Fabregas serving as his assistant for the remainder of the campaign as Como finally secured top-flight status.
Since then, Fabregas, who is also part owner of the club, has completed the relevant qualifications and has been announced as head coach for the coming campaign.
In addition to Fabregas, the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia side also count former France international Thierry Henry as a part-owner.
Former Arsenal star Thierry Henry also serves as a minority stakeholder on the club’s board
Como have immediately set about bolstering their squad for Serie A, with former Manchester United defender Raphael Varane reportedly close to joining on a free transfer.
Ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has also joined on a one-year deal from Villarreal.