This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of Maurizio Sarri as their new head coach with the Napoli midfielder Jorginho joining his former manager at Stamford Bridge after sealing his move.

The midfielder has been unveiled by Chelsea after they agreed a fee of €57m (£50.4m). Jorginho has signed a five-year deal at the club, with Sarri agreeing a three-year contract to replace Antonio Conte.

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“I look forward to starting work and meeting the players on Monday ahead of travelling to Australia, where I will be able to get to know the squad and begin our match action,” Sarri told the club’s official website. “I hope we can provide some entertaining football for our fans, and that we will be competing for trophies at the end of the season, which is what this club deserves.”

Jorginho has said he is “absolutely ecstatic” to have joined Chelsea. “It is not easy to become part of such a big team so I am very, very happy,” he said. “I am excited to play in such an intense league, for a team that gives everything to play and win.”

The 26-year-old, born in Brazil and capped by Italy, arrived in London on Friday evening to complete his transfer. Manchester City had appeared favourites to sign the central midfielder, but Chelsea agreed a deal with Napoli for both player and manager.

“We are delighted to welcome Maurizio and are looking forward to him bringing his football philosophy to Chelsea,” the club director Marina Granovskaia said.

“Maurizio’s Napoli side played some of the most exciting football in Europe, impressing with their attacking approach and dynamism, and his coaching methods significantly improved the players at his disposal.

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“We are delighted Jorginho has chosen to join Chelsea. He was one of the most coveted midfielders in Europe and will become an important member of the squad.”

Sarri replaced Conte, who left his job on Thursday. Chelsea confirmed Conte’s departure on Friday with a 52-word statement.

Negotiations to release Sarri from his Napoli deal took some weeks to conclude. He was replaced there by Carlo Ancelotti in late May but was not released from his contract, forcing Chelsea to pay a fee to secure him. The London club legend Gianfranco Zola is set to be given a role to work alongside Sarri.