ROBERTO Di Matteo has been confirmed as the new Chelsea manager on a two-year contract.

The 42-year-old led the Blues to Champions League and FA Cup glory last month, having been installed as caretaker manager following Andre Villas-Boas’ dismissal in March.

The former Chelsea and Italy midfielder’s silverware scoop left club owner Roman Abramovich with little option but to offer him the job on a full-time basis.

Former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola was believed to be high on the Russian billionaire’s wishlist, but his insistence on taking a sabbatical from the game made it a straight-forward decision to hand the reigns to Di Matteo.

The Italian, a popular figure in the Stamford Bridge dressing room, was ecstatic to take on the role permanently.

“I’m obviously delighted to have been appointed as manager and first-team coach,” Di Matteo said.

“We all achieved incredible success last season that made history for this great club.

“Our aim is to continue building on that and I’m already planning and looking forward to the squad’s return for pre-season.”