Wanchope, Paulo César

Manchester City & Costa Rica

Birthdate: July 31, 1976
Birthplace: Heredia, Costa Rica
Height: 1.93 mts
Weight: 78 kgs
Position: Forward
International: 30 caps, 22 goals (as of August 19, 2000)
World Cups: 0
Previous Clubs: CS Herediano, Derby County, West Ham United
Transfer Fee: $5.50 Millions of Dollars
Moved from Derby County to West Ham for £3.5m in the summer of '99. Left Pride Park in controversial circumstances after being accused of becoming a disruptive influence towards the end his time at the club. Wanchope insisted he never wanted to leave the club and it was only his poor treatment that changed his mind. Joined Derby from CS Heridiano for in March 1997 and made an immediate impact, scoring a superb individual goal on his debut in a 3-2 win at Manchester United. Scored 28 goals in 83 league and cup appearances for Derby. Almost became a basketball professional after a trial with QPR came to nothing. Derby manager Jim Smith was tipped off about his potential by former Arsenal star Bob McNab who spotted the striker while coaching in America.