Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho reacts after their English Premier League soccer match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, London in a May 6, 2007 file photo. Jose Mourinho has returned for a second stint as Chelsea manager, the English club said in a statement on Monday. [Photo/Agencies]

Chelsea welcomed back Jose Mourinho, its 'Special One', as manager for the second time on a four-year contract on Monday.

The Portuguese, who left Real Madrid last weekend, won the 2005 and 2006 Premier League titles in his first spell with the London club but departed in 2007 after falling out with billionaire owner Roman Abramovich.

"I am delighted to welcome Jose back to Chelsea. His continued success, drive and ambition made him the outstanding candidate," said chief executive Ron Gourlay in a club statement.

"It is our aim to keep the club moving forward to achieve greater success in the future and Jose is our number one choice as we believe he is the right manager to do just that.

"He was and remains a hugely popular figure at the club and everyone here looks forward to working with him again."

"I feel the people there love me and in life you have to look for that," said the 50-year-old, who first joined Chelsea in 2004.