Robinho's move to Manchester City is far from the first time a global superstar has joined a club not exactly fitting his status

Fabrizio Ravanelli, Juventus to Middlesbrough, 1996

Part of the holy trinity with Alessandro Del Piero and Gianluca Vialli that had just delivered Juventus's first European Cup in 11 years, Ravanelli had his pick of Europe. He chose Teeside. Along with Juninho, he delivered goals but not salvation as Middlesbrough were still relegated that same season.

Enzo Francescoli, River Plate to Racing Club Paris, 1986

Before this move the Uruguayan was South American player of the year. After it Zinedine Zidane named his son after him. But not because he chose Racing. All of Europe wanted Francescoli but Francescoli wanted the lifestyle of Paris. The newly-promoted club couldn't build the team to match it and within a year Francescoli was talking of "wasted time". He had to wait another two before Marseille rescued him.

Diego Maradona, Barcelona to Napoli, 1984

When Maradona (below) joined Barca he said he "truly believed they would be the club for me". Who would have thought the team that fitted that description was one that only had two Coppa Italias and a Serie B title to their name? Maradona's story then bears many similarities to Robinho's now. A South American prodigy yet to make the best of his potential, he struggled at one of the Spanish giants only to join an unfashionable, regional side in sky blue. City will hope the parallels continue.

Allan Simonsen, Barcelona to Charlton Athletic, 1983

The other options here were Zico to Udinese or Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano to West Ham. At least they were top-flight clubs. Just look at the facts of this: a Ballon D'Or winner with top Serie A teams and Tottenham chasing him, and a Second Division club with £300,000 to spend. Simonsen chose the latter and got nine goals in 16 games but little else as Charlton couldn't pay his wages and were forced to sell.