English Premier League club Chelsea on Monday afternoon confirmed that José Mourinho is returning to Stamford Bridge as their new manager for a four-year term. The charismatic, and sometimes controversial 50-year-old manager had quit the club in September 2007 after he joined them in 2004. Mourinho had three years of his contract left then. He was replaced by the then director of football at Chelsea Avram Grant.
“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 no. 1 choice as we believe he is the right manager to do just that,” Ron Gourlay, Chelsea chief executive, said in a statement.
“He was and remains a hugely popular figure at the club and everyone here looks forward to working with him again.”
The Portuguese, who has labelled himself as the Special One, was in charge of La Liga club Real Madrid before his move back to London. He led Madrid to a Liga title and a Copa Del Rey triumph during his stint. He has also worked in Italy with Inter Milan, where the team won the Serie A twice in successive years and also clinched the Champions League with them in 2009-10.
The club, owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, is one where Mourinho has an impressive record comprising two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and two League Cups between 2004 and 2007. The temperamental manager apparently was said to have left the club in 2007 over differences with Abramovich. However, the top management had termed the move as one with ‘mutual consent’.
Mourinho, who ended his Real Madrid stint on Sunday, has got along three assistants with him from the Spanish giants — Rui Faria, Silvino Louro and Jose Morais. The trio will help him in discharge of his duties as the coach the Premier League team.
Mourinho will be officially presented as the new manager on June 10.