Claudio Paul Caniggia is one of the most beloved footballers in the history of the National Team and of our football in general. So much so that there were people who named their children after him. And some, footballers also came out … Claudio Paul Spinelli, that forward emerged in Tigre but with steps through San Martín de San Juan (he nailed 7 goals in 13 games, reaching one in the Bombonera), Crotone and Genoa from Italy, Argentines and Gimnasia de, no less Diego Armando Maradona. Currently, This 23-year-old forward is in Slovenian football defending the colors of FC Koper, a team that ranks fourth in the championship, eight points behind the leader Maribor: there, Spinelli played 13 League games, plus one Cup, scoring a goal and putting an assist. At FC Koper, he is on loan until mid-year and his pass belongs to Genoa, a club with which he has a contract until June 2022.
Today, in our country, Spinelli is remembered for his time at the Wolf of Diego, where played nine games and could not convert, and for that inevitable comparison with Claudio Paul Caniggia. In fact, in September 2019, when Diego arrived at Gimnasia, Spinelli made the news. “You were just talking about the 94 World Cup you played with Bati, with Balbo. Well, here in the team you are going to direct Claudio Paul, he is someone else, Spinelli is the forward, but at least he will bring you good memories. Blond, long hair …“, Was the query of a journalist in Diego’s first conference as DT del Lobo …”Yes, Spinelli is good, but that the goal too. Because we all remember Cani for the goal against Brazil“Maradona replied, and triggered laughter throughout the room.
“I remember all that was talked about. It made me very happy – Spinelli says today. And even more so when later I was able to meet Diego at Estancia Chica, who introduced himself and we could talk a lot. Those things, more than anything, are the ones that fill you up the most. I don’t forget that anymore”.
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-And how did you experience the situation of Diego’s death? I imagine it must have shocked you …
-Yes, it was very hard. The Diego thing was too ugly news. Honestly, it made me very bad, it hit me a lot. I couldn’t believe it, I swear. But I choose to keep all the good things about him, having been able to meet and enjoy him and with all the advice he could give me when he had me in gymnastics. That is a huge satisfaction.
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-You feel that maybe it was like a pending account in Gymnastics …
-In football there are always pending things, but today the truth is that I do not think about that.
– Did that comparison with Cani weigh on you?
-No, what’s more, I even thought it was funny.
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-And how is your present in Slovenia today?
-It’s good. It is played very well here in Slovenia, there are very great players. I am very comfortable in this country. You don’t know, because in Argentina you only see English, Spanish or Italian football. But honestly it is a very nice experience.
-There must be quite a few differences with Argentine football …
-Yeah right. The main one is that it is not too aggressive. Here life is already different. And as for football, it is played very well, there are beautiful games but, as I was saying, more than anything it is a calmer life.
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-And today what goals do you set for your career?
-As always, as I have done all my life, in my career the only goal I have in mind is to improve, to leave everything in each game to be a better footballer and professional every day. Later, time will tell.
-And are you thinking of a return to Argentine football?
-Today, my present, my present, is here in Slovenia. I feel very good, very comfortable. That is why today I am not thinking of returning to Argentine football.