Chelsea announce Mourinho return

Chelsea FC have announced that former manager José Mourinho will return to the helm for a second time, six years after leaving Stamford Bridge.

The 50-year-old – previously in charge from 2004 to 2007 – has signed a four-year contract at a club with whom he won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups. "I promise exactly the same things I promised in 2004, with this difference to help – which is I'm one of you," said Mourinho. "In football, in my career I've had two great passions, Inter and Chelsea, and Chelsea is more than important for me."

According to a Chelsea statement: "He brings three coaching staff with him in Rui Faria, Silvino Louro and José Morais. Each carries the title of assistant first team coach and will work alongside current first team staff Steve Holland, Christophe Lollichon and Chris Jones."

Ron Gourlay, the Chelsea chief executive, said: "I am delighted to welcome José 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 José is our number one choice as we believe he is the right manager to do just that. He was and remains a hugely popular figure at the club and everyone here looks forward to working with him again."

Mourinho originally moved to west London after lifting the European Champion Clubs' Cup for the first time with FC Porto in 2004. After unprecedented success with Chelsea, he ended FC Internazionale Milano's 45-year wait for the European Cup, before a three-year spell at Real Madrid CF yielded a Liga and Copa del Rey title.

On 20 May it was announced by Madrid president Florentino Pérez that the Portuguese coach would leave at the end of the season after finishing 15 points behind champions FC Barcelona. Chelsea begin the 2013/14 UEFA Champions League in the group stage and travel to Prague on 30 August for the UEFA Super Cup against Pep Guardiola's FC Bayern München.