October 7 - Caniggia Takes a Bow in Scotland

WHO was that long-haried fellow making his debut for Dundee today in 2000? Why it was none other than Argentine legend Claudio Caniggia, who, in one for the more unlikely transfer moves in recent years, had just signed for the Dens Park club from Atalanta.

By the time Caniggia’s career had reached Scotland he’d gone through enough trials and tribulations to match other South American legends such as El Diego and Rene Higuita. He made his debut for River Plate in 1985 where he soon became renowned for his blistering pace and flowing blonde locks. In that same year he ran the 100m in 10.07 seconds, making him one of the fastest men ever to cross the white line.

He soon moved to Italy, notching up stints at Hellas Verona, Atalanta and Roma, whilst making a name for himself in the national side, becoming good friends with Maradona. Mrs Caniggia believed that he was a bit too fond of Diego, as the pair once celebrated a goal with a smacker on the lips, causing the ol’ ball and chain to lament that: “At times I believe Diego is in love with my husband. It must be the long hair and big muscles.”

Like Maradona, he also faced a drugs ban, after he was suspended for 13 months for testing positive for cocaine whilst at Roma in 1993.

After starring in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups with the Celeste and Blanca, he later became a victim of coach Daniel Passarella’s eccentricities, who banned him from the national team becasue he wouldn’t cut his hair, the damned hippy. He managed a brief comeback in 2002 and was included in the Argentine squad, but didn’t make the field of play.

Caniggia was brought to Dundee by Italian manager Ivano Bonetti, and didn’t take long to get the fans at Dens Park going, scoring a screamer on his debut. Still rocking the heavy metal haircut, despite it starting to thin out, Caniggia turned out 25 times for Dundee that season, scoring eight goals before being swiped by Rangers in 2001, picking up a league title in 2002/03.

See footage of the the Argie speedster below and check what a certain K Keegan was up to today here. We’ll be back tomorrow for more of the same.