New Delhi: Italy and AC Milan's legendary centre-back Alessandro Nesta will join Chennaiyin FC for the remainder of Indian Super League's inaugural edition.

The defender was signed by the Chennai franchise as in-form striker John Stiven Mendoza was deemed unfit to play in the remaining ISL matches due to a hamstring injury.

Nesta will join the Abhishek Bachchan and MS Dhoni-owned side after December 5.

Mendoza picked up the injury during Chennai's match against FC Pune City on Wednesday who Colombia to recuperate.

The 22-year-old returned has been Chennai's second highest goal scorer in the league with 4 goals behind teammate Elano Blumer who leads the charts with 8 goals.

Nesta is scheduled to play in the Global Legends Series in Bangkok on December 5, after which he will arrive in India to join his new team.

The 38-year-old was a vital part of the 2006 World Cup winning team of Italy and retired from international football with 78 caps. Nesta is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders to have ever played the game.