Jose Mourinho Appointed As Chelsea Manager

Jose Mourinho has been confirmed as Chelsea's manager, returning for a second stint in charge at the club. 

Mourinho, 50, replaces Rafael Benitez after leaving Real Madrid, and has signed a four-year contract.

which ended in September 2007.

The Portuguese won two consecutive Premier League titles during his first spell,  

Mourinho told Chelsea TV: "I promise exactly the same things I promised in 2004, with this difference to help - which is I'm one of you."

He added: "In football, in my career I've had two great passions, Inter and Chelsea, and Chelsea is more than important for me. 

"It was very, very hard to play against Chelsea and I did it only twice, which was not so bad."

Mourinho, who will be officially presented in a press conference at Stamford Bridge next Monday, 10 June, brings three coaching staff with him in Rui Faria, Silvino Louro and Jose Morais. 

Chief executive Ron Gourlay said of Mourinho: "He was and remains a hugely popular figure at the club and everyone here looks forward to working with him again."

Mourinho first arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2004, weeks after guiding Porto to the Champions League trophy. 

He won the FA Cup and two League Cups as well as two Premier League titles but could not win the Champions League with the Blues.

His relationship with owner Roman Abramovich grew increasingly troubled and he quit despite having three years left on his contract. 

Gourlay added: "I am delighted to welcome Jose back to Chelsea. His continued success, drive and ambition made him the outstanding candidate.

"It is our aim to keep the club moving forward to achieve greater success in the future and Jose is our number one choice as we believe he is the right manager to do just that."