Hero Indian Super League (ISL) side Chennaiyin FC have confirmed the siging of former Italy and AC Milan star defender Alessandro Nesta.

“Yes we have just signed him (Alessandro Nesta),” Chennaiyin FC player-cum-coach Marco Materazzi confirmed during the pre-match press conference ahead of their away game against NorthEast United FC. “He will replace Mendoza. I don’t know yet when he will come as he now needs visa.”

“We have plenty of options in attack – Jeje, Balwant, Maurice, Bruno and Elano of course,” Materazzi told when asked why he replaced Mendoza with a defender. “If we had found any better attackers than what we have at the moment, we would have gone for a forward. So since we got a world class defender (in Nesta), we signed him.”

Talking about the NorthEast United encounter on Wednesday, the 2006 FIFA World Cup winner stated, “Tomorrow is another important game for us because we still need five or six points to reach the semis and if we win tomorrow, then there is a 70% chance of us being in the semi-finals.”

“I said before the last game also, we may or may not reach the semis but I have a team. Everybody is hungry to contribute.”

Chennaiyin FC and India striker Jeje Lalpekhlua is looking forward to the game which will be a very special one for him. “Yes it will be like a home game away from home for me. Some of my friends and family are coming but I am only focused on getting three points tomorrow and extend our lead at the top,” Jeje said.

“I am happy with my recent form but I have to maintain that and maybe even get better with every game,” Jeje added.

Chennaiyin FC are currently top of the ISL table, while NorthEast United are placed 8th in the league.