Manchester City defender Maicon has joined Roma, returning to Italy after a year in the Premier League.

City says "with Pablo Zabaleta and Micah Richards seemingly ahead of him ... the 31-year-old has opted to return to Serie A to continue his career."

Maicon signed for City from Inter Milan on transfer deadline day last year for an undisclosed fee. However, the Brazil defender made only 11 appearances.

Maicon spent six years at Inter, helping it to a host of trophies including four Serie A titles and the Champions League.