Chasing high-profile and high-priced players such as David Beckham isn't enough for ambitious French club Paris St. Germain. It has hired a famous coach, too.

Former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti was introduced Friday as the replacement for Antoine Kombouare, who gave way with PSG in first place.

“I am delighted to be here as coach of Paris St. Germain,” Ancelotti, the former Italian international, said at a news conference on Friday. “I think PSG is a fantastic club. I think I can do a great job to help PSG become a big club in Europe.”

Ancelotti signed a two and a half-year contract. PSG sporting director Leonardo would not reveal Ancelotti’s salary, which in French reports is estimated at 6 million euros ($8.5 million). Leonardo met with Ancelotti, 52, last month, which sparked rumors that soon would end Ancelotti's employment since leaving Chelsea last May.

“Ancelotti’s salary is within the market,” Leonardo said. “It’s a price that other big European clubs would be willing to pay. There’s a European market, but realizing this is new in France. I know it's difficult for some to understand. But what drives this club is passion, not money.”