Ranieri signs new Chelsea deal

Chelsea FC coach Claudio Ranieri tonight effectively ended speculation over his future by signing a new five-year contract to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Linked with Barcelona
Ranieri had been linked with FC Barcelona after the Spanish club revealed he was on their three-man short-list to replace coach Carles Rexach this summer. However, Ranieri has responded by pledging his future to Chelsea and giving his side the ideal boost ahead of Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Fulham FC.

'We have a good squad'
The Italian, who replaced Gianluca Vialli in September 2000, told Chelsea TV: "I am very happy. I want to say thank you to my chairman [Ken Bates]. We have a good squad and I hope to give everyone some trophies. I know it's very difficult but I like difficulties."