Following 3 seasons with Real Madrid in which he guided the club to La Liga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana championships, Jose Mourinho confirmed this past weekend that he will be named Chelsea's new manager by the end of the week.
The 50-year-old coached his last match with Real Madrid on Saturday as the club took down Osasuna 4-2 and although he found much success with the Spanish team, Mourinho was never able to guide Madrid to a UEFA Champions League crown. This past season, Mourinho and Madrid were ousted in the C.L. tournament semifinals by Borussia Dortmund and now that his obligations toward Madrid are fulfilled, the manager is focusing his attention toward Chelsea.
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"I will go to London and between Monday and the end of the week I will be the new coach of Chelsea," Mourinho said to Punto Pelota television Sunday. "I would like to be it because I was happy in London and I feel that the people there love me. Life is beautiful and short, and in life you have to seek out what you think is best for you."
As Sky Sports reported on Monday morning the move is now official as Jose Mourinho and Chelsea have agreed on a four-year deal, sparking the excitement of those involved with the club, especially their Chief Executive.
"I am delighted to welcome Jose back to Chelsea," Ron Gourlay said. "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 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."
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The move back to the Premier League squad will be Mourinho's second stint as Chelsea manager. Following a Champions League victory with Porto in 2004, Mourinho departed the Portuguese club to take over in London. Winning the Premier League championship during the 2004-2005 season, Mourinho became an instant success and beloved figure because he was able to lead Chelsea to their first title in 50 seasons.
Following Real Madrid's Champions League loss to Dortmund earlier this season, the Setubal, Portugal native noted that if he did depart Madrid, he'd have to go somewhere the fans and city loved him because his relationship with certain players, members of the media and fans of Real Madrid wasn't always great.
"I am loved by the fans and the media who treat me in a fair way," Mourinho said to BBC Sports when asked about his possible return to Chelsea. "I know in Spain it is different because many people hate me."
The reunion with Chelsea could turn out to be beneficial for both parties. While Mourinho was able to win 3 trophies during his time with Madrid, the club was unable to come away with any hardware this past season, leaving Mourinho open to exploring opportunities outside of Spain. Chelsea on the other hand has been a consistent power over the last few seasons.
Winning the UEFA Champions League during the 2011-2012 season, Chelsea followed that title up with a UEFA Europa Crown this year, marking the first time the London squad has won the championship. Following along with the pending move to Chelsea by Mourinho, former Chelsea star Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink feels the move will surely be great on multiple ends.
"I think it's a good thing," Hasselbaink told Sky Sports last week. "He has still got unfinished business. Normally I would say don't go back where you have been really great, but he still has unfinished business. I don't see a better man to fill that position at this moment in time."
The move will be Mourinho's eighth coaching stop and second with Chelsea since becoming a full-time manager in 2000 with Benfica.
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