It’s official: Jose Mourinho returns for 2nd stint as manager of Chelsea

LONDON – Jose Mourinho’s return to Chelsea became official on Monday when he was hired as the London club’s new manager, six years after his acrimonious departure.

Chelsea confirmed Monday that the 50-year-old Mourinho was hired on a four-year contract after completing a three-year stint at Real Madrid, where his final season ended without a trophy.

Madrid released the Portuguese coach from his contract, so Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will not have to pay compensation to be re-united with the manager he fell out with in 2007.

There have been seven managers at Chelsea in the six years since Mourinho left, having won every major domestic honour at Stamford Bridge but repeatedly falling short of giving Abramovich a Champions League trophy.

“I am delighted to welcome Jose back to Chelsea. His continued success, drive and ambition made him the outstanding candidate,” Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay said. “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.”

Mourinho’s return to Chelsea had been widely expected for weeks. Before flying to London, he told a Spanish TV program that he was expecting to be hired as Chelsea coach by the end of the week. And on Sunday, the Premier League’s official website mistakenly published a story with the headline “Jose Mourinho makes Chelsea return,” saying a deal had been completed.

Mourinho won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups between 2004 and 2007 with Chelsea.

“He was and remains a hugely popular figure at the club and everyone here looks forward to working with him again,” Gourlay added.

After leaving Chelsea, the 50-year-old Portuguese went on to coach Inter, winning two Serie A titles, the Italian Cup and the Champions League. With Madrid, he won one Copa del Rey and one Spanish league title.

Chelsea said Mourinho is bringing with him three members of his coaching staff. He will be officially presented next Monday in a news conference at Stamford Bridge.