Chelsea have confirmed that Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho will become their new manager.
The former Porto coach, who takes over from the sacked Claudio Ranieri at Stamford Bridge, has agreed a three-year contract
“Chelsea represent a fantastic challenge for me. It is a great club with a world-class squad of players,” Mourinho said.
“The plans and ambitions for Chelsea excite me and I am sure they will do the same for the fans whose incredible support I have already witnessed.
“The English Premiership is recognised as the best league in the world and I am really excited at the prospect of competing week in, week out at the highest level in England as well as in Europe.”
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon was delighted to have secured Mourinho.
“The appointment of Jose Mourinho is all about building on the foundations which we have already established at Chelsea,’ he said.
“He represents the new generation of football coaches and we are convinced he can take us to the next level, both in England in Europe.
“His record of sustained success makes him perfect for what we want to achieve at Chelsea.”
On Tuesday Mourinho informed Porto he was quitting. The club later issued a statement confirming Mourinho’s contract had been cancelled.
“Porto agree with Chelsea Football Club Ltd the terms for the annulment of the contract of employment of head coach, Jose Mourinho,” the statement said.