It’s still not completely official, but it seems Maicon will be leaving Inter and join his former manager, Roberto Mancini, at Manchester City, busy making a late spending spree through the transfer market and landing the very coveted Brazilian right back.

At 31, Maicon is used to being linked each and every summer with a move to a different club. He’s been with Inter since 2006, and it seems every summer has linked him to Real Madrid (most of the time) or the richest English club anyone can think of. This time, as Inter Milan are slowly getting rid of every player who ever had anything to do with possibly the most succesful period in club’s hisotry, co-existing with the worse period in Serie A history, it seems it’s a done deal.

How much? Some reports suggest £4 million, which could rise according to Maicon’s performances and appearances. At 31, after 8 seasons of European football, it might be that his best is way behind him, especially when it comes to his defensive abilities, which are never the strong suit for a Brazilian wing back.

Maicon has played for Inter since 2006, winning four league titles with the club (two of them under Roberto Mancini) and the Champions League title with Jose Mourinho in 2010. In total, he has played 235 matches for the nerazzuri, scoring 20 goals and adding 46 through his famous surges on the right flank. He previously played for Monaco and Cruzeiro, also winning 66 caps for the Brazilian national side, playing in the 2010 World Cup and winning two Copa America titles.

Mancini usually deploys Pablo Zabaletta at right back, with Micah Richards not really in his plans at the moment. With the arrival of Maicon, it seems the 24 year old English player, who represented Great Britain in the Olympic games is finding himself further and further down the bench.

Maicon was once considered the best at his position in the world, but between Dani Alves and what Gareth Bale did to him in the Champions League not too long ago, his reputation as a feared defender, at least when it comes to stopping opposing wing backs, has taken a dive. What hasn’t changed is the rare combination of power, speed and incredible long range shooting ability, which is very rarely found at his position, giving Mancini an attacking option down the right flank he never had before.