Manchester City chief Patrick Vieira is convinced Douglas Maicon will make a big impact at the Etihad. Vieira played with Maicon at Inter Milan.

"Maicon is a fantastic player," Vieira, the former midfielder now working as City's football development executive, said.

"I spent a few years with him at Inter and he has experience and talent.

"He has the ambition to be part of the Brazilian national team for the World Cup.

"It is something really important for him and I am sure he will bring a lot to this football club. He is a fantastic character to have around too."