Premiership giant Chelsea have confirmed the dismissal of manager Claudio Ranieri, putting an end to months of speculations over the Italian's future.

　　A spokesperson for the English club says "Claudio has done a first-class job for the club and has paved the way for future success."

　　The club stopped short of revealing Ranieri's replacement, but Porto coach Jose Mourinho has been widely regarded to take over at Stamford Bridge.

　　Ranieri has been rumored to leave Chelsea since the club was taken over by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich last summer.

　　His leave seemed to be inevitable although the Italian led his charges to the second place in the premier league and the semifinals of the Champions League. (Photo Source: yahoo.com)