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Argentine superstar, Claudio Caniggia joined Rangers in June 2001 after an illustrious career spanning 16 years and several clubs.
He began playing professionally in 1985 with Argentinian giants River Plate where he played 51 games and netted 9 goals. His talent was then noticed by Italian side Verona, who took him to Italy for his first experience of European football.
During his time at
Atalanta, he was picked for the Argentinian squad for Italia 90’ and by playing exceedingly well he impressed with the world watching.
Atalanta captured him from Verona, in a swap deal for Robert
Prytz, after only one season is Serie A and he went on to score 22 goals in 85 games. Caniggia’s passion along with his skill and flare attracted bigger clubs around Europe and Roma signed him in 1992.
After seven years in the Serie A the Argentinian moved to Portugal to join
Benfica. His natural ability made him a favourite with the fans and he netted an impressive nine times in only 20 appearances.
However, Caniggia was then lured back to his homeland to play with his close friend Diego Maradona at Boca Juniors. The skillful striker only managed 29 appearances but scored 12 goals. In 1998 he then returned to former club Atalanta midway through the season but never quite fulfilled his true potential.
The footballing world was then shocked when Ivano Bonetti announced Caniggia had signed for Dundee in the summer of 2000. The Argentinian matched all expectations and after a series of outstanding performances eventually earned his chance to play European football again with a move to Rangers. If his move to Scotland was a shock Caniggia defied all the odds once again by earning a surprise recall for the 2002 World Cup.
Unfortunately an injury sustained against Celtic in the Scottish Cup final would ultimately end his dream of playing for Argentina in Japan and South Korea. Caniggia was fit for the final group game against Sweden but was red-carded from the bench for a touchline outburst and his country crashed out of the tournament.
Claudio returned to Scotland in a determined mood however and although his first-team appearances have been limited this season he has performed well when called upon. He bagged a fine hat-trick in the 6-0 romp at Dunfermline in August and was the match winner at East End Park again in the CIS Cup.
The veteran striker has entered the final year of is contract but is eager to show Alex McLeish he is worth a new deal!
| Appearance Stats: [Starts, subs, goals] | | Season | Club | SPL | TSC | CIS | Euro | Total | | 2001/02 | Rangers | 16 | 8 | 5 | | 3 | 0 | 0 | | 4 | 0 | 2 | | 8 | 3 | 2 | | 31 | 11 | 9 | | 2002/03 * | Rangers | 5 | 4 | 4 | | 0 | 0 | 0 | | 1 | 1 | 2 | | 1 | 0 | 0 | | 7 | 5 | 6 | | Total | 21 | 12 | 9 | | 3 | 0 | 0 | | 5 | 1 | 4 | | 9 | 3 | 2 | | 38 | 16 | 15 |
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