Chelsea confirmed one of the worst-kept secrets in European football

On Monday when they revealed that charismatic and controversial former manager Jose Mourinho has returned to the club on a four-year contract.

The 50-year-old Portuguese, who led Chelsea to unprecedented success between 2004 and 2007, succeeds interim coach Rafael Benitez.

His Stamford Bridge comeback had been widely anticipated, with weeks of media speculation culminating in his admission on Spanish television late on Sunday that he had agreed to move back to west London.

"I am delighted to welcome Jose back to Chelsea. His continued success, drive and ambition made him the outstanding candidate," said chief executive Ron Gourlay in a statement published on the Chelsea website.

"It is our aim to keep the club moving forward to achieve greater success in the future and Jose 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."