Mourinho, who agreed to leave Real Madrid by mutual consent last month, had been heavily linked with the post at Stamford Bridge for several weeks.

The Portuguese took charge of his final game at Real on Saturday as they overcame Osasuna 4-2 to end a disappointing campaign in which they finished 15 points behind champions Barcelona and lost at the semi-final stage of the UEFA Champions League for the third year in a row. 
 
Mourinho will now fill the void left by Rafael Benitez, who has taken over at Napol after finishing his spell as interim manager at the London club. 
 
Benitez failed to find widespread favour with the Chelsea fans despite guiding them to success in the UEFA Europa League, with the majority of supporters eager for Mourinho to return.
 
They have now got their wish after the former Porto and Inter boss signed a deal to keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2017.
 
Club chief executive Ron Gourlay told the club's official website: "I am delighted to welcome Jose back to Chelsea. 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."
 
The 50-year-old left Chelsea in 2007 after a breakdown in his relationship with owner Roman Abramovich. 
 
However, the two men have put their differences behind them and the 50-year-old will now attempt to restore the club to the summit of English and European football.