Graham Potter has shared his delight after becoming the club’s new boss following the departure of Thomas Tuchel.
Chelsea made the big decision to part company with Tuchel on Wednesday morning after deciding he was not the man to lead the club forward under the new ownership.
Tuchel was quickly replaced after the club made an approach to Brighton to speak to Potter and the 47-year-old travelled to London to hold talks with Todd Boehly.
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An agreement was struck and the deal was finalised ahead of their Premier League clash against Fulham on Saturday afternoon.
He has signed a five-year contract in west London after Chelsea agreed to pay Brighton in excess of £21 million to buy him and his staff out of his Seagulls contract.
After Chelsea announced Potter’s arrival at Stamford Bridge, he shared his first words as the club’s new head coach.
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He told the official Chelsea website: "I am incredibly proud and excited to represent Chelsea FC, this fantastic football club.
"I am very excited to partner with Chelsea’s new ownership group and look forward to meeting and working with the exciting group of players and to develop a team and culture that our amazing fans can be proud of."
The 47-year-old continued to thank his former employers at Brighton for giving him the chance to join the World Champions.
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"I would also like to place my sincere thanks to Brighton & Hove Albion for allowing me this opportunity and in particular Tony Bloom and all the players, staff and supporters for their continued support during my time at the club," he continued.
Chelsea confirmed that Potter will take charge of his first match when the Blues face Fulham in a west London derby on Saturday.
It remains to be seen as to whether the decision will be a successful one, with Potter signing until 2027, part of Boehly's strategy at Stamford Bridge to tie players and staff down to longer term deals.
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Reece James signed a six-year deal at Stamford Bridge earlier in the window, the same as they did with Armando Broja.
Potter will now work with the pair during their time at Stamford Bridge.
The Englishman has a task on his hands, looking to turn the Premier League side into title challengers.
The Blues currently sit five points off the top of the table, and have lost their first match of the Champions League group stage.
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It remains to be seen as to whether the appointment will be a success as Potter gets underway at Chelsea.
Topics: Chelsea, Premier League, Football
Matthew Debono