Brazil World Cup legend’s final season as pro footballer was spent in San Marino
There was a time when Maicon was just about the best right back on the planet.
During his stint at Inter Milan, the Brazilian would maraud up and down the flank, battering anyone and everyone who got in his way, and was as ferocious going forward as he was at defending … and then Gareth Bale happened.
When Tottenham visited the San Siro in 2010, Maicon was tasked with marking the Welshman, who had recently morphed into one of the world's most irresistible attacking talents, and got his arse absolutely handed to him.
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The same thing happened two weeks later at White Hart Lane, and Maicon was never the same again. Two-and-a-half years later he joined Manchester City as their third-choice right back, and disappeared into insignificance shortly after.
Where did he end up? Well a forgettable stint at Roma was followed by a short-term move to Brazilian side Avai. After making just nine appearances in seven months, Maicon announced his retirement, but changed his mind a year later after agreeing a one-year deal with Brazilian second-tier team Criciuma.
A year after that he dropped down to Brazil's fourth tier for a few months, before enjoying a similarly short stint with Italian fourth-tier side Sona later in the season.
Where does Maicon rank among the best right backs of the 21st century? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
In June last year he moved to San Marino of all places and made three appearances for amateur side Tre Penne before hanging up his boots a month after joining, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious 21-year career.
Maicon also earned 76 caps for Brazil and featured at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
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