August 10 – Whether you love him or loathe him, few would argue against Jose Mourinho’s tag as the best manager in the Premiership and Chelsea have been quick to ward off any potential suitors by giving the Portuguese a new contract in his second spell at the club.
The new four-year deal was announced on the eve of Saturday’s season-opening 2-2 draw with Swansea, an agreement that will keep Mourinho at Chelsea until 2019.
Mourinho may not have been popular with the fans or the board at Real Madrid but has always considered England his second home. His 70% win rate is better than any other manager in Premier League history and the deal emphasises the esteem in which he is held by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who watched him win the Premier League title last time out – Chelsea’s first in five years – together with one of the two domestic cup competitions.
The 52-year-old previously spent just over three years at Stamford Bridge during his first spell – his longest stint at any one club – but, if he lasts until the end of this latest contract, he will have done a further six years.
“It is important we have this continuity and I hope we can enjoy more success in the future – for the fans, the players and the club,” said Mourinho.
“I said when I returned here two years ago that I have a special feeling for this club and nothing changed. It is the club closest to my heart and I am very happy to know I will be staying here for a long time.”
Mourinho won two league titles, one FA Cup and two League Cups during his first spell at Chelsea from 2004 to 2007 before he moved to Internazionale and then Real.
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