Willie Falconer couldn't believe it when Dundee announced his next strike partner would be Argentina legend Claudio Canniggia.
Despite being 34 when he pitched up in Scotland, the jet-heeled striker impressed with his agility and power.
So it was even more of a surprise to the well-travelled target man when it emerged the superstar, who formed a lethal partnership with Diego Maradona for his country, had a 60-a-day smoking habit.
He told The Courier : “I had watched him in the World Cup for Argentina obviously.
“It was all kept really quiet, nobody really knew what was happening.
“We were coming off from training at Caird Park and Caniggia came in with the Marrs and Ivano.
“It just looked like he was visiting for the day because there were so many players who came and went.
“It was surreal to hear he had signed.
“I got on really well with Claudio. We were similar ages and were the experienced guys in the squad so we had an understanding on and off the park.
“He was an amazing one-off guy.
“Even at his age, he was the fittest in the squad – and that was smoking 60 fags a day!
“He just had great ability, great balance. I think I was a good targetman to play alongside him and let him do his thing.”
Caniggia scored seven in 21 games for the Dens Park club, prompting Rangers to sign him in a £1m deal.
He went on to win five trophies in two years in Govan, becoming an integral part in the club's treble winning 2003 season under Alex McLeish.
