ROME (AFP) - Jose Mourinho was on Monday named as the new coach of Inter Milan, the Italian club announced.

The 45-year-old Portuguese former Chelsea manager signed a three-year contract.

Inter did not reveal the value of Mourinho's contract, but the Italian press have speculated that the coach would earn almost nine million euros (14 million dollars) a season.

"F.C. Internazionale announces the arrival of Jose Mourinho," the club said on inter.it.

"The Portuguese coach has signed a three-year contract and will work alongside Rui Farias, Silvino and Andrei Villas Boas."

Mourinho's assistant coach will be former Inter and Italy midfielder Giuseppe Baresi, previously in charge of the club's youth teams, it added.

Mourinho replaces Roberto Mancini who was sacked as coach of the Serie A champions on Thursday, despite having just led them to a third successive league title.

"Thanking Roberto Mancini and his staff for the success obtained in four seasons as the leader of the team, all of Internazionale has the great pleasure to welcome Jose Mourinho and his coaches," the club said.

Mourinho has been out of the game since leaving Chelsea by mutual consent early last season.

He had won two Premier League titles with the London club, the FA Cup and two League Cups in just over three seasons.

Before that he coached FC Porto to the Champions League crown, UEFA Cup, two league titles and a Portuguese Cup in an incredible two-year period from 2002-2004.