Paulo Wanchope: ‘I woke every hour and a half before my Derby debut’

Jim Smith, salsa music and a very bad night’s sleep formed the backdrop to the day that would change Paulo Wanchope’s life. Signed by Derby, the unknown Costa Rican was on his way to Old Trafford in April 1997 to make his Premier League debut against Manchester United. The striker, not long out of his teens, was nervous.

“I was very anxious before the game,” says the 45-year-old. “The previous night I woke up every hour and a half. I didn’t sleep well. [Smith] understood that I wanted to be relaxed at that time. He understood that music might help me. He asked me on the team bus what sort of music I liked. So I put on some salsa.”

It certainly settled the nerves. Wanchope’s brilliant goal helped Derby to a famous 3-2 victory and was later voted the best goal in the club’s history. Along with the volleys of Mario Stanic and Danny Rose, it is one of the great Premier League debut strikes. As well as embarrassing Phil Neville, Gary Neville, Gary Pallister and Peter Schmeichel that day 25 years ago, it made a mockery of Wanchope’s lack of sleep and confidence.

The goal would typify Wanchope’s style throughout his career – a mesmeric blend of limbs, simultaneously graceful and chaotic; choreographed elbows and knees that danced and flailed their way towards goal.

Talking to Wanchope on Zoom from his home in Costa Rica, with his easy demeanor and still-youthful face that has a smattering of grey hairs, it is odd to think Wanchope has ever been anxious. But life was full of uncertainty before his £600,000 move to Derby from Herediano. In fact, Wanchope very nearly didn’t play football.

“I used to play many sports in the street,” he says. “My mum used to be an athlete. My uncle played baseball. I had the chance to play