Chelsea’s newly-appointed manager Xabi Alonso says he is filled with “immense pride” after signing a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
The 44-year-old, who has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid by mutual consent in January, will succeed Liam Rosenior and relieve Calum McFarlane of his interim duties when he begins on 1 July.
Prior to his La Liga stint, Alonso spent three years in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, leading the club to their first-ever league title and also lifting the German Cup with the Bundesliga side.
“Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club,” Alonso said.
“From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies.
“There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club and it will be my great honour to lead it. Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies.”
A club statement added: “We look forward with confidence to the next phase in collaboration with Xabi Alonso, united in the determination to bring success to Stamford Bridge, a hallmark of the club’s history and future.”
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