Milesi had joined Rio's bid in January 2009 for the vital nine months leading up to the final decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at its Session in Copenhagen on October 2.

He had previously worked at FSB, one of Brazil's leading communications and public relations company's, and before that had worked for the US State Department as an information specialist.

Milesi had originally started his career as a journalist with Globo Online but now the Arizona State University graduate has decided to take up the offer to be media relations manager for the World Cup 2014 Local Organising Committee.

It will be the first time that Brazil has hosted the World Cup since 1950.

Milesi told insidethegames: "I am very happy and honored to become a part of the team that will work to deliver an unforgettable World Cup in Brazil.

"As a child, I often dreamed of defending my country in a FIFA World Cup.

"Somehow I feel like this dream is coming true now. 

"I would like to say that I am very thankful for having worked on the campaign to bring the 2016 Games to Rio as well as living through the challenges of a newly formed OCOG.

"These were very enriching  experiences for me both as a person and a communications professional, and will certainly be of help in this new, exciting challenge."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]