Inter Milan fans will never forget their treble winning season under Jose Mourinho, as it was their greatest ever campaign in the modern era. There were several magnificent players who were instrumental in Inter's success that season, and one of them was Maicon.
The former Brazilian right-back was one of the best in his position at his peak, and with fans popularly nicknaming him as "Il Colosso" ("The Colossus") For his immense strength, pace and power. Let us now take a look back at his Inter Milan career.
A bright start at Inter
It was in July 2006 that Maicon was officially signed by Inter Milan from Monaco, with the Nerazzurri paying a £4.8 million transfer fee for the Brazilian. The Brazilian went on to establish himself as a top-class wing-back at Inter, who was solid both defensively and offensively. Maicon was in particular known for his ability of making dangerous runs down the right wing, often setting up goals or scoring himself with his powerful right foot.
With Inter captain Javier Zanetti eventually moving to midfield, the right-back at Inter fully belonged to Maicon. One of the unpleasant moments of his early years came during a UEFA Champions League match on 6th March 2007, as Maicon was involved in a brawl with Valencia defender David Navarro. This resulted in a 6 match ban for the player, but was eventually reduced to 3.
Despite this incident, Maicon became an instrumental part of Inter and was a regular under then manager Jose Mourinho. Inter ended up winning the 2008–09 Serie A, with Maicon being a key player in their fourth consecutive league title victory.
The peak season
Maicon continued his fine form for Inter in the 2009–10 season, with one of his highlight performances being in the 4-0 demolition of rivals AC Milan. Maicon was one of the best players that night, and even got in the score sheet. This was followed by fine contributions by the Brazilian against Barcelona ( 0-0 draw) and Napoli (5-1 victory for Inter), as he was essential in earning a draw against the Blaugrana and thrashing Napoli.
Inter's Brazilian colossus continued his domination in the following matches as well, but one of his standout moments came in Inter's home leg of the Derby d'Italia. Maicon went on to score one of his career best goals against Juventus, as he juggled a loose ball over the onrushing defender at the top of the penalty box and volleyed it into the opposite corner.
Later that month, Maicon made even more history by scoring his first ever Champions League goal in Inter's victory over Barcelona. Inter Milan were simply on unstoppable form, as they went on to overtake Roma and win the league title, while also knocking out Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals. Inter ended up inflicting immense misery on Roma that season, as they beat them in the Coppa Italia final as well.
It was on 22th May 2010 that Mourinho and Inter externalized themselves in the football history books. The Nerazzurri faced Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals, and ended the night with a spectacular 2-0 victory. Inter became the champions of Europe, and achieved a historic treble in doing so.
Maicon's outstanding contributions that season saw him be named as the 2009–10 UEFA Club Defender of the Year, and his performances also earned him a nomination for the Ballon d'Or trophy as Europe's top player.
Final season and departure
Maicon went on to make 23 appearances for Inter in the 2011–12 Serie A. He continued to perform finely for the club, but that season ended up being his final one for Inter as well.
The Brazilian right-back left Inter for Manchester City On 31st August 2012, marking the end of his memorable 6 years with Inter. Inter Milan and its fans bid goodbye to their very own colossus.
