Nesta, 36, has officially signed with MLS, ending months of speculation regarding the Italian legend's future.
The former Lazio and AC Milan player completed his European playing career this past season, having spent the last 10 years with AC Milan. Now, he's set to continue playing on this side of the Atlantic with MLS's latest expansion club.
"I'm very happy to be here. Despite some offers to continue my career in Europe, I was looking for a new challenge and wanted to play in MLS," Goal.com reports Nesta said at a press conference.
"Upon visiting my friend Marco [Di Vaio] to see him play his first game with Montreal, I met great people at this club. I really liked what I saw and I was convinced Montreal was where I wanted to be," he concluded.
His former teammate Di Vaio isn't the only Serie A import with the Impact. He joins fellow Italian Bernardo Corradi and Colombian Nelson Rivas, who spent several seasons with Inter, north of the border.
The 2006 FIFA World Cup winner was widely regarded as one of the best center-backs of his generation. He helped Milan win two Serie A titles and two Champions League trophies, amongst other honors. A stalwart for club and country before his international retirement in 2006 (going out after winning a World Cup isn't shabby), Nesta's recent years were beset by serious back injuries that blighted his twilight years in the Italian top flight.
Though financial details of his contract have not been disclosed, it has been revealed that Nesta has not been given a designated player contract that many felt would have been required to secure his signature.
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