Scolari to become Chelsea boss

Luiz Felipe Scolari has been confirmed as the new manager of Chelsea. The Brazilian, affectionately known as 'Big Phil', will begin his coaching duties at Stamford Bridge after the Euro 2008 tournament, where Scolari is hoping to guide Portugal to glory. Chelsea had been linked with a host of other names, including Jose Mourinho, Zico and Carlo Ancelotti.

Scolari is one of the most respected names in football management, and has been a success wherever he has chosen to coach.

Scolari has reportedly signed a contract worth £7 million a season for the next three seasons.

A Chelsea statement said: Chelsea Football Club is delighted to confirm that Luiz Felipe Scolari will be the club’s new manager from July 1, 2008.

"Felipe has great qualities. He is one of the world’s top coaches with a record of success at country and club level.

"He gets the best out of a talented squad of players and his ambitions and expectations match ours.

"He was the outstanding choice.

"Out of respect for his current role as head coach of the Portuguese national team, and to ensure minimum disruption to this work, there will be no further comment from Chelsea FC nor from Felipe about his new role until his employment with us commences."