
Chelsea's newly-appointed manager Xabi Alonso says he is filled with "immense pride" after signing a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge. The 44-year-old, who has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid by mutual consent in January, will succeed Liam Rosenior and relieve Calum McFarlane of his interim duties when he begins on 1 July. Prior to his La Liga stint, Alonso spent three years in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, leading the club to their first-ever league title and also lifting the German Cup with the Bundesliga side.