LONDON - Chelsea on Monday named Enzo Maresca as their new head coach on a five-year contract.

The 44-year-old Italian replaces Mauricio Pochettino, who left the club at the end of last season, and joins after guiding Leicester City to promotion back to the Premier League after just one campaign in the Championship.

"To join Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, is a dream for any coach. It is why I am so excited by this opportunity," said Maresca in declarations published on the official Chelsea website.

"I look forward to working with a very talented group of players and staff to develop a team that continues the club's tradition of success and makes our fans proud."

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The club also welcomed his arrival, with joint sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley stating they were "delighted to welcome Enzo to Chelsea. He has proven himself to be an excellent coach capable of delivering impressive results with an exciting and identifiable style".

"Enzo has deeply impressed us in our discussions leading up to his appointment. His ambitions and work ethic align with those of the club. We thoroughly look forward to working with him," they wrote.

Maresca's appointment at Chelsea had been expected after he confirmed last week that he was stepping down from his role at Leicester with a statement that read: "It's with great emotion that I write to you today to say goodbye. In less than a year at the club, I'm proud to say we archived exactly what was needed, which is coming back to the Premier League."

A stylish midfielder as a player, Maresca turned out for several teams, such as Juventus, Sevilla, Malaga, Fiorentina and Sampdoria.

READ MORE: Pochettino leaves Chelsea by mutual consent after one season in charge

He began coaching in the Manchester City youth system and had a short period at Parma, before returning to the Etihad Stadium for a year as Pep Guardiola's assistant, ahead of his joining of Leicester.