Chelsea appoint Xabi Alonso as their new manager on a four-year contract starting next season

Chelsea have appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager with the former ex-Liverpool player starting in July.

Alonso has signed a four-year contract at the Blues and will be their third permanent manager this calendar year alone after Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior.

The 44-year-old has been a free agent since leaving Real Madrid by mutual consent in January, less than eight months into a three-year contract.

Chelsea announced his appointment less than 24 hours after their FA Cup final defeat by Manchester City.

‘Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club,’ said Alonso.

‘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.’