Chelsea confirm Xabi Alonso appointment on four-year deal

Chelsea have confirmed the managerial appointment of former Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso on a four-year contract.

The new Blues boss will begin work on July 1 having been out of work since being sacked by Madrid on January 12, less than eight months into a three-year contract.

In a statement made on Sunday - less than 24 hours after their 1-0 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City that was overseen by interim coach Calum McFarlane - Chelsea said: "One of the most respected figures in the modern game, Alonso arrives at Chelsea having already experienced coaching at the highest level of European football with Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen, where he led the German club to the first league title in their history.

"His appointment reflects the club’s belief in his broad set of experiences, coaching quality and game model, leadership attributes, character and integrity, which were key to the decision to ask him to help lead the next phase of Chelsea’s journey.

"He is regarded not only as an outstanding football coach, but also as a proven leader and partner across a number of areas essential to the demands of driving the team."

Alonso, 44 - who made his name in England playing for Liverpool between 2004 and 2009 - added: "Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club.

"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."

The Blues hope he will bring stability to the club after they had two permanent managers this season - Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior - while McFarlane is in his second spell as interim boss, a role he will continue for their final two Premier League games.