Chelsea have confirmed on Monday that Antonio Conte will be their new manager from the start of the 2016/17 season.
The former Juventus manager is currently with the Italian national team and will lead the side during the Euro 2016 in France. His contract with the Azzurri will expire and had earlier expressed his desire to step down as their coach.
Jose Mourinho was sacked as the Blues manager last December and was replaced by Guus Hiddink as their first-team interim manager until the end of the current campaign. The Dutchman had earlier urged the west London club to appoint his successor 'very soon.'
Conte has signed a three-year deal to become the Chelsea manager, who will take charge at Stamford Bridge after the end of the European championship in France.
"Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Antonio Conte as First Team Head Coach," a statement read on Chelsea's official website read.
"Conte, who is currently the manager of the Italy national side, has signed a three-year contract. He will begin work in London following his country's participation in this summer's Euro 2016 tournament."
The Italian has expressed his delight after getting an opportunity to manage Chelsea right after his time with the national side.
"I am very excited about the prospect of working at Chelsea Football Club. I am proud to be the coach of the national team of my country and only a role as attractive as manager of Chelsea could follow that," Conte explained.
"I am looking forward to meeting everyone at the club and the day-to-day challenge of competing in the Premier League.
"Chelsea and English football are watched wherever you go, the fans are passionate and my ambition is to have more success to follow the victories I enjoyed in Italy.
"I am happy we have made the announcement now so everything is clear and we can end the speculation. I will continue to focus on my job with the Italian national team and will reserve speaking about Chelsea again until after the Euros."
