Chelsea confirm stunning Xabi Alonso appointment as ex-Real Madrid manager pens big deal

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Chelsea have confirmed the stunning appointment of Xabi Alonso as their new manager. Alonso, 44, has put pen to paper on a four-year contract and will begin work at the end of the current season.

The Spaniard's arrival at Stamford Bridge represents a major coup for the Blues, having been courted by Europe's elite as recently as last summer. Alonso won the Bundesliga title and German cup while going unbeaten in his first full season at Bayer Leverkusen , success which eventually earned him the Real Madrid job.

His short-lived tenure at the Bernabeu was laced with turbulence, though, and he was sacked seven months into a three-year deal . Alonso was immediately linked with Liverpool , with his former club struggling under Arne Slot .

But the ex-midfielder will return to the Premier League for the first time as a manager with Chelsea rather than his old employers. A statement confirming his appointment came less than 24 hours after Saturday's FA Cup final.

Under interim manager Calum McFarlane, the Blues lost 1-0 to Manchester City courtesy of Antoine Semenyo's second-half goal. Alonso said: "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."

McFarlane has taken charge of first-team duties since Liam Rosenior was sacked last month after just 23 games. He'll be on the touchline for Tuesday's game at home to Tottenham as well as their trip to Sunderland next Sunday.

There will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.

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