Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as their new manager. The Italian succeeds Guus Hiddink, whose short stint at Stamford Bridge ended after Saturday's FA Cup final victory over Everton. Ancelotti, who has long been linked with the Blues post, left AC Milan by mutual consent on Sunday after helping them secure automatic qualification for the Champions League. Ancelotti, who guided the Rossoneri to Champions League triumphs in 2003 and 2007, has agreed a three-year contract with the Premier League club and will officially take charge on July 1. A statement on the club's website read: "Carlo was the outstanding candidate for the job. "He has proved over a long period his ability to build teams that challenged for, and have been successful in, major domestic and European competitions. "He also had a highly successful playing career in those competitions and therefore brings unparalleled all round experience to the job." Ancelotti, 50 later this month, also claimed the Serie A title in 2004 during his eight years in charge at Milan. He has previously coached at Reggiana, Parma and Juventus. His track record of success dates back to his playing days when he also won two league titles and two European Cups with Milan. He becomes the fourth Chelsea manager in 21 months following Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Hiddink.
*PA Sport
