Chelsea FC manager Jose Mourinho has signed a new four-year deal with the reigning English Premier League champions. The signing was announced on Friday, the eve of the start of the 2015/16 season. The new contract keeps "The Special One" at Stamford Bride until 2019.

"It is important we have this continuity and I hope we can enjoy more success in the future - for the fans, the players and the club," said Mourinho, in a statement shared by the official Chelsea website. The club is certainly looking for continuity and success as they defend their Premiership title.

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That title defense did not start off on a high note as they lost the curtain-opening Community Shield title to Arsenal last week. Their opening match against Swansea City didn't go so well either, after they only managed to end the match in a draw. The match also saw goalkeeper Thibault Courtois being handed a red card.

Chelsea was leading 2-1 when Courtois was sent off in the 52^nd minute. They played the rest of the match a man down, and Swansea was able to level the score to 2-2. It has not been a good start for the team this season, but it's too early to tell if the initial setbacks will affect their title defense.

"I said when I returned here two years ago that I have a special feeling for this club and nothing changed. It is the club closest to my heart and I am very happy to know I will be staying here for a long time," continued Mourinho.

Mourinho first held the reigns at Stamford Bridge back in 2003-2007 when he guided the team to two Premier League titles. They also won the League Cup twice and the FA Cup once during his first spell with the team.

He left England in 2007 to do a three-year spell with Inter Milan in Italy and he later joined Spanish giants Real Madrid from 2010-2013. He returned to Stamford Bridge two years ago and has since led the team to another league title.

Jose Mourinho is one of the most successful managers in European club history. He has won league titles in four countries namely Portugal, Italy, Spain and England. 

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