Former Manchester United and Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre has joined Indian Super League side Chennaiyin FC on a four-month deal.
The 37-year-old Frenchman, who was a free agent after being released by Major League Soccer side Portland Timbers in January 2014, worked as a pundit in India for Sony Six during the 2014 World Cup.
Silvestre had earlier spoken admiringly of the ISL, predicting that the league would be a big hit in India.
"It (ISL) looks like it's a big deal for Indian football. It's a project that comes on the other side of the I-League. It is to attract more people and sponsors. It will be good for football in India generally," Silvestre had earlier told Goal.
And now the Frenchman has confirmed his move to Chennaiyin FC.
Duradrishti a symbol commonly used in Tamil Nadu, deflects the - and helps upkeep a + environment @ChennaiyinFC pic.twitter.com/sc1egFZ4KQ
— Mikael Silvestre (@IamMSilvestre) September 23, 2014
"New club New league New beginning! @ChennaiyinFC @IndSuperLeague," tweeted the former French defender.
Chennaiyin FC technical advisor Prashant Agarwal also confirmed the signing, expressing his delight at having landed the defender for Chennaiyin FC.
"Mikael, with his experience, will add great value to the team. I think Chennai has outdone other franchises in terms of marquee signings, despite starting late," said Agarwal told The Hindu.
Silvestre, who started his career at French side Rennes, spent a season with Italian side Inter Milan, before completing a move to Manchester United in the summer of 1999.
The Frenchman found a lot of success during his nine-year stint at Old Trafford, winning five Premier League titles (1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08), two FA Community Shields (2003, 2007), a League Cup (2005/6), a FA Cup (2003/04) and a Champions League title in 2008.
After his time at Manchester United, the Frenchman had a short spell at Arsenal (2008-2010), before moving to German side Werder Bremen, where he had another brief spell (2010-2012).
Finally, he moved to the USA to join Portland Timbers in 2013, where he spent a season before being released in January 2014.
At the international level, Silvestre has earned 40 caps for France, representing the Les Bleus from 2001 to 2006.
