Former Manchester City midfielder Gelson Fernandes has landed a new job at FIFA.
The Swiss international will become director member associations Africa on August 1. This role will involve him overseeing services to strengthen the development of the African member associations through FIFA's forward programme.
Despite representing Switzerland on the international stage, Fernandes has Cabo Verdean roots. And, when commenting on his appointment, the 35-year-old said: "It’s a big honour and I’m very proud to join FIFA.
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"I am an African and if you get an offer like this, you must do it because it is a way of giving something back to Africa as an African. I see it as my obligation to work for Africa and its football.
"This mission that I will start in August includes all aspects around my roots and this continent, showing my gratitude and support and giving my all for African football." He added: "Together with the member associations, we will look for solutions to constantly improve the situation.
"Everybody has to be involved. This continent has incredible potential.
"I come from this continent; I am one of the many stories of this continent. Football can change the lives of so many people.
"Football can do so much, it has a lot of power. I will give everything with all my heart. It’s a great challenge and one that I am proud to accept."
During his two years in Manchester, Fernandes made 59 appearances and scored four goals, including a memorable one in a 6-0 demolition of Portsmouth in the 2008/09 season.
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