Chelsea have announced the appointment of Xabi Alonso as their new manager on a permanent basis. The Spaniard has signed a four-year contract with the Stamford Bridge club.

“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.”

Alonso was strongly linked with Liverpool, where he won the Champions League and the FA Cup as a player, but the Merseysiders have reportedly decided to stick with Arne Slot for the time being, despite what has been a woeful title-defending season.

Alonso’s contract at Chelsea officially starts on July 1st, but he is expected to start working with the club on summer transfers immediately.