Porto's coach Andre VillasBoas celebrates his team's Europa League final soccer victory against Braga at Lansdowne Road in Dublin in this May 18, 2011 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]

Chelsea confirmed the appointment of Portugal's Andre Villas-Boas as their new manager on Wednesday as the 33-year-old, who resigned from Porto on Tuesday, agreed to a three-year contract.

Villas-Boas, who led Porto to a domestic double as well as winning the Europa League last season, replaces Carlo Ancelotti, who was sacked in May after failing to win a trophy in his second season.

Villas-Boas moves to London after Chelsea paid 13.3 million pounds ($21.5 million) to trigger an escape clause in his contract and becomes the club's seventh manager since Roman Abramovich took over in 2003 and the youngest in the Premier League.

"Andre was the outstanding candidate for the job," said a statement on the Chelsea website (www.chesleafc.com).

"He is one of the most talented young managers in football today and has already achieved much in a relatively short space of time," the statement continued.

"His ambition, drive and determination matches that of Chelsea and we are confident Andre's leadership of the team will result in greater successes in major domestic and European competitions.

"Andre will bring his coaching experience back to a club he is already very familiar with, having previously worked here for three years.

"He has always been highly regarded at Chelsea and everyone here looks forward to welcoming him back and working with him."

Villas-Boas worked at Chelsea as a scout under Jose Mourinho, who left Porto seven years ago to join the Premier League club.