Former Venezuela National Football Team manager Cesar Farias has been named the marquee manager of Indian Super League franchisee NorthEast United FC.
The announcement comes days after the Northeast outfit confirmed the signing of former Portugal international Simao Sabrosa as their marquee player for ISL 2015.
"We are proud to announce the #NEUFCMarqueeManager for @IndSuperLeague - II: César Farías #SouthAmericanFlavor #HeroISL," the Assam-based side tweeted.
Farias guided Venezuela to the semi-finals of the Copa America in 2011 and also mentored the nation to its first-ever victory over heavyweights Brazil.
There is, therefore, no doubt that the 42-year-old brings oodles of experience with him to India and the John Abraham-owned side will enjoy having Farias as their manager.
"I am very pleased to be the Head Coach of a club with a great and ambitious project in a fast growing and highly competitive ISL," Farias said in a statement on NEUFC's official facebook page.
"I have a clear goal in mind: The development of #NorthEastUnitedFC and also of Indian football."
Farias already plied his managerial trade in India in 2011, when he brought Venezuela to participate in a friendly game against Argentina. The match was held at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
"I experienced the passion that Indians possess for football first hand, when my team played a friendly against Argentina in Kolkata in 2011," Farias continued.
"During my stay in this great nation, I was very pleased with the hospitality and the love that everybody had for the beautiful game. At that time, I pictured myself working in the country, some day in the future. That day has finally come. I cannot wait to revisit India and win with NorthEast United FC."
Bollywood star Abraham has also lapped up the news and has mentioned that the experience of the Venezuelan gaffer will come to use richly as he will unify the team with his vision.
"I am thrilled. It's all about winning this season and I'm confident that Cesar's leadership will get us there. He is a unifier and that is important when we have a squad that comes from different cultures and geographic regions. Most importantly, he is young, passionate, has a clear vision for the club," Abraham said.
Farias also guided the Venezuelan U-20 side to their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup qualification in 2009. He replaces New Zealand gaffer Ricki Herbert at NEUFC.
Under Herbert, the Northeast side finished rockbottom in ISL 2014 despite a good start.
NEUFC open their campaign in this edition of the ISL on 6 October against last year's finalists Kerala Blasters.
