Walter Pandiani

Walter Gerardo Pandiani Urquiza (born 27 April 1976) is an Uruguayan footballer who plays as a striker.

Nicknamed El Rifle, his best assets are his strength and aerial ability, and he spent most of his professional career in Spain, where he made a name for himself at his first and last clubs - Deportivo de La Coruña and Osasuna - appearing for a total of four teams.

Club career

Born in Montevideo, Pandiani started his career with local C.A. Progreso, moving on to Basañez and C.A. Peñarol, the latter also in the country's capital, before signing with Deportivo de La Coruña in 2000. Never an undisputed starter in Galicia, he was one of the team's most important offensive elements, often scoring as a substitute (he netted 13 in the 2003–04 season).

Pandiani, who had a successful loan stint at RCD Mallorca while still at Depor, moved to Birmingham City in the Premier League, also on loan, in January 2005, after a series of run-ins with then coach, Javier Irureta. He scored a goal on his debut against Southampton in a 2–1 win, and went on to score three more in the season, prompting manager Steve Bruce to sign him on a permanent contract for a fee reported as £3 million.

Failing to continue to display his previous form, Pandiani returned to Spain on January 13, 2006, after completing a move to RCD Espanyol for £1m.<ref name="Espanyol...
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