Manchester City development chief Patrick Vieira believes new signing Maicon's experience can help the English champions in their quest for ongoing success.
Premier League titleholders City travel to Stoke today before next week's Champions League away game at Real Madrid.
Former Arsenal and France star Vieira said the arrival of Brazilian right-back Maicon, who was a teammate at Inter Milan, would strengthen City's ability to cope with the pressure of big European matches.
"He is a fantastic player," Vieira 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."
"He has the experience of winning the Italian league and the Champions League and to have him at the football club is fantastic."