Caniggia tells how Dark Blues saved his career

More than 400 turn out at Whitehall Theatre to hear from Dens Park legend

Football legend Claudio Caniggia was on the verge of quitting the sport when he was asked to play for Dundee, he has revealed.

The 50-times capped Argentinian former striker recounted the story to more than 400 Dark Blues fans who turned out to hear him reminisce about his time with the team at a special event in the city last night.

Caniggia made an appearance at the Whitehall Theatre, where he was in conversation with ex-Sky Sports presenter David Tanner, veteran football writer Patrick Barclay and Scotsman football writer Alan Pattullo.

Caniggia received a standing ovation and loud cheers from the audience, which included fans of all ages.

Speaking of how he began his brief stint in Dundee in the 2000-01 season, Caniggia said: “I was thinking of stopping playing football at the time.

“I was still training on my own, staying fit, and then the Bonettis called me – I knew them from Italy – and asked if I would come to Dundee?

“I said why not? I decided to come to Scotland and it was great at Dundee.

“Trust me, with my heart, I really enjoyed my time in Dundee.

“I could not understand any accents but it was a great team.”

Caniggia was also joined on stage by former team-mate Willie Falconer.

Describing their time together at Dens, Falconer said: “We were the oldest players there so we bounced off each other. He was a down-to-earth guy and he trained as he played.

“Every day he trained giving 100%.” of the

Pictures: Steven Brown. Claudio Caniggia on stage last night with former Dens Park team-mate Willie Falconer. And, right, Caniggia answers a question from the audience.